David Klatt

David C. Klatt, age 82 of Faribault, died Sunday, September 11, 2011 at his home.   Memorial services will be held on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory in Faribault.   Memorial visitation will be held on Thursday from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.   David Clarence Klatt, the son of Clarence and Millie (Egan) Klatt, was born on January 3, 1929 in Faribault. He attended Bethlehem Academy High School. When he was 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during WWII. Following his military service, he was united in marriage to Carole Stearns on February 3, 1951 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Faribault. David worked as a foreman at the Faribault Woolen Mill for 43 years. At the Woolen Mill he was a valuable resource for many aspects of the operation, as a machinery specialist, working the details of the silk screening of the blankets, and many other responsibilities. Although he never earned the title, David had the qualities and abilities of a mechanical engineer. He could fix anything around the house and would often make anything he desired. He had the ability to produce many useful items from his own observation and analysis. Whether it was his own hand made boat or a special foot stool, whatever he made was built of superior quality. He also made an interactive bird identification display board that is present at the River Bend Nature Center and Rice County Fair. David was very passionate about aviation. Following his military service he flew small planes. The Minnesota Soaring Club was a major part of his life. He often spent countless hours in Stanton, MN flying the tow planes so others could fly their gliders. He also invented a winch on the plane to re-coil the tow rope after releasing the glider. David enjoyed hunting and fishing and had a profound love for music. He also would spend his winter's ice boat sailing and naturally built his own boat for the sport. He loved to play cards and would often successfully participate in blackjack tournaments. He loved his grandchildren and would often make many items for them and adored his great granddaughter, Hannah. Even with all of his accomplishments, David was the most humble, genuine, and unassuming person. He would often downplay the most remarkable achievements to a simple matter of putting your mind to the task. After Carole passed away January 31, 2009, he was able to remain in his home due to the great efforts and assistance of his son-in-law, Joe Malek, and Kris Bauer, Margaret Beaupre, Kelly Klatt, and Jim and Mary Pashchke.   A special thank you to them for everything they did for David. He is survived by three children, Steven (Robin) Klatt of Minneapolis, Richard (Melanie) Klatt of Fridley, and Susan (Josef) Malek of Faribault; three grandchildren, Jesse and Joel Gudknecht of Apple Valley and Michael Malek of Faribault; one great-granddaughter, Hannah of Apple Valley; sister, Mary (Joe) Evans of Lakewood, CA; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carole; parents; and brother, Delbert Klatt.