Karl J. Klamm

Service Details

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. Visitation will take place in the funeral home on Tuesday from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service. Interment with full military honors will take place at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Union Grove on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 8:45 am.

Memorial Suggestions

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to either the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Racine or Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin.

Karl “Jack” Klamm, 83, of Racine, passed away at home on November 18, 2023, after battling cancer with his family by his side. He was born in Rock Island, IL, on April 19, 1940, the son of the late Karl J. and Shirley (nee: Nelson) Klamm. On November 5, 1966, he was united in marriage to Monica Zimprich.

Jack was a lifelong mechanic and served in the U.S. Army (1963-1965) as such. He was awarded an Expert Rifle M-14 commendation. Jack loved cars his entire life, especially his 1956 Chevy, which may have seen a drag race or two in its time. His love of racing started when he won the soap box derby, continued with drag racing in his younger years, and concluded with go-kart racing in his second childhood. His favorite track was Road America and his favorite racing partners were his nephew and son.

Jack was the owner of Klamm Auto Body (now Klamm Total Automotive) for over 40 years and passed on his love of cars and all things mechanical to his son and grandkids. He “Klamm-atized” many things over the years to make them better fit his needs. He enjoyed spending time with his family at the go-kart track, around the campfire, eating desserts and playing games. Any time there was a dessert or ice cream available, Jack was first in line.

Jack’s other great love was the Lord Jesus Christ. He read, studied, and talked about his love for the Lord daily and was happy to share that knowledge with anyone he came into contact with.

Jack is survived by his wife Monica, son Jared (Heather) Klamm, daughters Julie (Bob) Mausing and Amy (Steve) Helvick, along with 8 grandchildren, Aydan, Slayter, Amelia and Mikhail Klamm, Martin and Karley Mausing, Alex and Zach Helvick, and many other family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Carol Chase, brother Rodger Klamm, grandson Lucas Klamm and great grandson Brooks Klamm.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. Visitation will take place in the funeral home on Tuesday from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service. Interment with full military honors will take place at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Union Grove on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 8:45 am.  In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to either the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Racine or Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin.

A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Hamadani and Katie at Froedtert Grace Clinic, the nurses at Froedtert CFAC 7, and the St. Croix Hospice for taking care of Jack with patience, care and kindness.