Obituary of Robert E. Klawiter

Robert E. “Bob” Klawiter peacefully passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2017 after a tough year-long battle with cancer, surrounded by his family in his Fort Worth home. He was 88.Bob was born on December 10, 1929 in Chicago to John and Helen Klawiter. Bob developed his tireless work ethic early, taking his first job at a florist at age 10, making 10 cents per hour. He graduated from Lindblom High School before earning a bachelor’s of science degree from Texas A&M University in 1954.Bob had a varied career, from driving cabs to pharmaceutical sales, that took him from his native Chicago to several states. He served his country for three and a half years in the U.S. Army, traveling to Germany, and received an honorable discharge. Bob eventually settled into a career with the U.S. Department of Justice in Albuquerque, Fort Worth and Honolulu, where he retired after 22 years.Bob and Dee, his wife of 63 years, have been active members of the St. Andrew Catholic Church community in Fort Worth for more than 40 years.Bob had varied interests and a strong intellectual curiosity. He was a seasoned traveler, often hauling his family of eight and a travel trailer on cross-country camping trips. He was an avid reader, practical joker and fan of the Texas A&M Aggies football team. He was a thoughtful gardener, tending to and nourishing a window sill full of beautiful orchids. He also developed a joy in cooking and preparing meals for his family and friends.Bob will best be remembered as a devoted husband to Dee and a loving father. He was a godly, compassionate and caring man, with a gentle and generous personality.Bob’s family would like to thank their friends, the doctors, nurses and medical staff for all the prayers, care and compassion that Bob received during his battle with cancer.Bob was preceded in death by his son, Christopher Klawiter and his parents. In addition to his wife, Dee, he is survived by son, Greg Klawiter and wife, Barbara; daughter, Kim Morrow; daughter, Debbie Sledge and husband, Wyatt; son, Jeff Klawiter and wife, Cathy; son, Russ Klawiter and wife, Linda; grandchildren, Derek Klawiter, Randi Sloan and husband, Jim, Amanda Hurtik and husband, Blake, Jenna Doutlick and husband, Derek, Meagan Miller, Austin Klawiter, Tyler Klawiter, Angel Klawiter, Riley Klawiter, Kyle Klawiter and Tori Klawiter; great-granddaughter, Isabel Sloan, brother, Jerome Klawiter and sister, Geraldine Schneck.