Richard T. Klatt

1932 - 2024

Richard T. Klatt

February 29, 1932 - November 6, 2024

Richard T. Klatt, 92, of Rock Island, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Friendship Manor Silver Cross in Rock Island.

A Rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, November 11, 2024 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island.

A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday November 11, 2024, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rock Island. Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum, Rock Island. Memorials may be made in Richard's honor to Friendship Manor or St. Pius X Catholic Church.

Richard was born February 29, 1932, in Chicago, to Adam and Helen (Gafkowski) Klatt. He was a veteran of the United States Army. Richard attended and graduated from the Art Institute of Chicago. He later furthered his education by attending Northern Illinois University and graduating with his Master's degree in sculpture art education. Richard started his career as a teacher in Elgin, Ill. where he met his wife, Betsy. He married Elizabeth Lauerman on August 9, 1958, in Menominee, Mich. Richard and Betsy moved with their family to Rock Island. Richard continued his career at Rock Island High School where he was able to inspire and guide the lives of many students. After retirement, he became a consultant at Siver Oaks Communications. Richard was a devoted member at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rock Island.

Richard was an artist and a builder. As an artist he enjoyed drawing, painting, sculpting, and cultivating Bonsai art. His creative passion evolved into authentic inventive scratch model boat building, and he was even featured in several articles in the local newspaper. Richard took immense pride in his work and being a part of the Quad Cities community. He also had a passion for history and loved teaching about art history. Richard loved being outdoors and in nature. He combined his passion for building, being outdoors and his love for his family by building a family vacation home in Upper Peninsula Michigan where the family spent many summers.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Kathryn Vetter, John Klatt, and Dr. Mary (Frank Flores) Fischer; grandchildren, Kate (Michael) Watson, Erin Kennedy, Hattie Fischer; and great-granddaughter, Alice Katherine Watson. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betsy Klatt; and son, Dr. Paul Klatt.

Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.wheelanpressly.com