Raymond W. Klauer

Raymond W. Klauer, 80 of Jefferson, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025, at his home in Jefferson.
Ray was born on November 8, 1944, in Helenville, the son of Arthur and Ruth (Todd) Klauer. He attended and graduated from Jefferson High School. Shortly after graduation, Ray enlisted in the United States Army and faithfully served his country during the Vietnam War as a helicopter mechanic. On December 6, 1969, Ray was united in marriage with the love of his life Janet Kornstedt at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Jefferson. Ray enjoyed spending time outdoors and was an avid hunter. Many days were spent camping with his children, even in the wintertime. When the weather was nice, he could be found on the golf course, and if the weather wasn't so nice, he was known to golf on the Wii. He also liked to play cards and other games, although he was known to be a little competitive and preferred to win. Ray and Jan were avid Wisconsin sports fans and never missed watching a Brewers game. As a couple, they were very involved with Marriage Encounter, a faith-based organization that encourages and supports married individuals and served on the board for decades. Ray and Jan were also very involved with their church family, at both St. Lawrence and St. John the Baptist. Ray never met a stranger, and made friends wherever he went, whether it was while he worked as a "garbage man" for a company in Fort Atkinson and the surrounding areas or going to the store. Ray's smile and witty sense of humor often made many people smile, especially after hearing his latest dad joke. He never missed an opportunity to visit or share some of his favorite whiskey with anyone who stopped by his home. Family and friends were the most important things to Ray, and he and Janet still got together with friends they had made in high school. Ray led by example, and his steadfast commitment to Jan, his family, faith and friends taught his children and many others around him lessons that won't be forgotten. His unfailing love and care for Jan during the last few years of her life were a testament to the kind of man Ray was and the love that the couple shared for over 55 years. His example illustrated for his children and all who knew what being an excellent husband, father, and friend was, and he will be deeply missed by all those touched by his life.
The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Rainbow Hospice for the loving care provided to Ray.
Waiting for Ray are his loving wife Janet (Kornstedt) Klauer, parents Arthur and Ruth (Todd) Klauer. Along with his siblings Eugene (Joan), Wilmer, Melvin (Karen), Marjory (Gary) Manke, Violet (Richard) Kohls, his in-laws Gerhard and Frances (Weber) Kornstedt and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Mike and Barb (Kornstedt) Bubolz.
Ray is survived by his children Amy (Brian) Christian, Chad (Chris) Klauer, Todd (Heather) Klauer, Brian (Mandie) Klauer and Tami Klauer. His grandchildren Adam (Tracey) Harpster, Ben Harpster, CJ (Lauren Harmon) Harpster, Kiley (Cody) Nicholson, Nash Christian, Maren Christian, Brayden Klauer, Maddie Klauer, Quincy Klauer, his great- grandchildren Tessie Harpster and Maisie Nicholson along with his siblings Roger (Barb) Klauer and Karen (Al Behlke) and his sister-in-law Virginia Klauer.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00AM on Monday, March 31, 2025, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Jefferson with Msgr. Donn Heiar presiding. Visitation will be from 3:00PM – 5:00PM on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at the Olsen-Gibson Funeral Home, with a Rosary Service at 5:00PM. Visitation will also be held on Monday from 10:00AM until the time of service at the church. Ray will be laid to rest at St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery following the Mass.
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