Philip Klotz Obituary

Philip B Klotz Jr passed away May 30, 2025 at his home in Leavenworth, KS. He was born March 8, 1933 in Leavenworth, the son of Philip B Klotz Sr and Agnes M (Burke) Klotz. After attending school in Leavenworth, he enlisted at age 17 and served in the US Navy on the USS Orleck DD886 during the Korean War. While serving, he earned the Navy Good Conduct, National Defense, China Service, United Nations, and Korean Service Medals. He married his high school sweetheart, Gail Louise Hamilton while on leave July 7, 1953 at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Santa Monica, CA.

Returning home to Leavenworth after his service in the Navy, he began working at the Klotz Agency insurance and real estate sales office for and with his Uncle Ray Klotz in 1956. Phil and Gail purchased the business in 1975, and their sons Mark and Gary joined them after their graduations from KU's school of business.

Phil Klotz was an active member of St Paul Lutheran Church in Leavenworth, serving as a member or chairman of numerous committees and the Church Council. He was also very active in many Leavenworth business and civic organizations through the years.

He was extremely proud of his service in the US Navy and was instrumental in the organization of the USS Orleck reunion group. His time and efforts also were key to the preservation and restoration of the Destroyer USS Orleck and its establishment as a Naval History Museum, now moored in Jacksonville, FL.

Phil loved his family and spending time with them, as often as possible at their house at the Lake of the Ozarks. One of his greatest joys was pulling his kids and grandchildren skiing behind his boat.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a stillborn son, Dean Bernard Klotz, and his sister Elizabeth L Diaz and her husband Ralph Diaz. Surviving are his wife Gail and their four children and their spouses: Mark (Susan) Klotz of Leavenworth, Lynn (Butch) Tate of Virginia, Susan (Chuck) Engstrom of Lansing, and Gary (Laura) Klotz of Eudora. Additionally, eight grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, another great grandchild due in October, and many nieces and nephews.

His family loved him dearly, and he will be truly missed.

Funeral service Monday June 9 at St Paul Lutheran Church. Visitation at 10, service at 11.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Phil's memory to St Paul Lutheran Church 311 N 7th St Leavenworth, KS 66048, or Jacksonville Naval Museum 2220 County Rd West Suite 108, PMB 314 Jacksonville, FL 32259