Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1940
DIED
2024
Dennis Klapwyk Obituary
February 26, 1940 - January 11, 2024
Poway
Dennis C. Klapwyk, 83, passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2024.
Dennis was born on February 26, 1940, to William and Blanche Opal (nee Clark) Klapwyk in Missoula, MT where he was raised on the family's Cloverleaf Dairy Farm. He attended Missoula County Schools before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1958.
Dennis served a 20-year career with the US Navy as an avionics technician and was mostly stationed in the San Diego area at NAS Miramar and NAS North Island. Dennis was deployed with the USS Kitty Hawk during three Vietnam combat tours and served with various other aircraft carriers during multiple training tours.
Following Dennis' naval retirement, he joined Northrup Grumman for a 20-year career, working closely with the U.S. Navy as an avionics technician representative for the E-2 Hawkeye aircraft. Per his colleagues, "His mastery and teaching of the E-2 Hawkeye weapon system and radar contributed greatly to the combat readiness of the aircraft and its crew."
Upon retirement he spent his time charting genealogy and challenging others in their trivia knowledge. He often regaled his family with stories of his military service and his years growing up on a dairy farm. Dennis' love of country was preceded only by his love for his family.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 63 years, Annette (nee Hassell) Klapwyk; his two daughters, Susan Klapwyk of McCalla, AL and Janet Crews of Poway, CA; his three grandchildren, Trista Browning, Blayne Browning and Tyler Crews; his three great-grandchildren, Carter, Emma and Bragen; his brother, William Klapwyk (Patsy) of Hamilton, MT; a host of extended family and friends that include cousins, nieces and nephews; and his best friend, Steve Ford. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Barbara (nee Klapwyk) Chilcote, and his brother, Elmer Edward Klapwyk.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to his favorite charity, The Gary Sinise Foundation, in memory of Dennis C. Klapwyk, Chief Petty Officer (CPO), U.S.N. (RET).
Military Honor Services will be held at 11:30 AM on March 1, 2024, at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Noble Drive, San Diego, CA.
Please sign the guest book online at legacy.com/obituaries/ pomeradonews
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Klapwyk
3 Entries
Janine Frady
March 1, 2024
I have so many great memories of Mr. Klapwyk. he was quick witted and challenged your knowledge of just about everything. He always liked to do trivia made sure every time i left his presence
I learned something new. He always seemed to have what was best described as a form of secret knowledge that I felt privileged to have him share with me. My prayers go out to his family, and his beautiful wife Annette. I'm sure he's up there teaching the angels a thing or two.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Wendy Doubrava
February 27, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
LP
February 14, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Dennis Klapwyk's name
Memorial Events
for Dennis Klapwyk
How to support Dennis's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Dennis Klapwyk's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
