Robert John Klapproth Sr.

1937 - 2023

Robert John Klapproth Sr.
Born: September 15, 1937
Died: September 29, 2023
Robert John Klapproth Sr., 86, died Sept. 29, 2023.
He was born Sept. 15, 1937 to William P. and Eleanor (Gemsa) Klapproth in Irvington, New Jersey. He spent most of his younger life in Belmar, New Jersey. He joined the United States Air Force in 1962. He served in the Logistic Command, and was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for his work securing required communication equipment during the Vietnam War.
After leaving the Air Force, he earned his master's degree in secondary education at Framingham State University and taught middle school children. He came to realize that he could do more for the children by seeing that they had what they needed to complete their education. He continued his education at Western Illinois University, earning his sixth-year degree in educational finance. He completed all his coursework for his Doctor of Educational Finance degree at Northern Illinois University.
He worked in the field of school finance for 20 years. As a challenge, he was the business manager for the Saudi Arabian International Schools for 6 years, during the first Gulf War. After returning to the United States, he worked in retail in the automotive field, "for something to do."
He was a member of American Legion Post 522 in Prophetstown, Illinois. He served as Adjutant for several years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, William and George; and his sister, Eleanor Castleton.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret M. (Golla) Klapproth; and his two sons, Robert J. (Elizabeth Tomisato) and Stephen M. (Xochitl Garcia Klapproth).
Cremation rites were accorded through the Cremation Society of Illinois. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia.