Ralph "Bud" C. Klockziem Jr.

Ralph C. Klockziem Jr., beloved husband, dad, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, son, and brother, passed away on July 4, 2026, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, at the age of 87. Most of his family and friends knew him as Bud or Buddy. He was also a lover of all children, including those who were not his own, who called him Mr. Bud. Born on February 20, 1939, in Laingsburg, Michigan, Bud was the son of the late Ralph and Helene (Decher) Klockziem. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and remained an active, lifelong member of Christ Lutheran Church in Shields, Michigan until moving to Fond du Lac in 2021 to be near his children. A proud graduate of Michigan Lutheran Seminary, class of 1957, Bud entered the workforce immediately, beginning a 35 year career at General Motors as an electrician, in Saginaw. During those years, he formed many close and lasting friendships. In his “retirement,” Bud chose to drive bus for the local school district, and he drew great joy from the little people he ferried each day. On December 30, 1960, Ralph married Virgene Kiecker, who survives him. Together they shared 65 years of marriage—a partnership marked by their common faith in God and devotion to family. While also working long hours at GM, Bud built the family home with the help of family and friends using his own hands. He created a home where his wife and children were blessed with years of many fond memories. He was also a gifted woodworker and carver. As part of the Tri-City Wood Carvers, he was proud to have contributed to the carving of the creatures on the Celebration Square Carousel at the Saginaw Children’s Zoo. Those animals and many special pieces for his family were carved with love and great pride. Bud was an avid hunter who cherished time at the farm with nephews and his grandson. He was preoccupied with his deer stand and thrilled with the plethora of deer on the farm. He was known for his famous venison sausage—always trying to outdo his brother Roger’s recipe. Known as a steadfast “fix it” man, Bud rarely allowed anything to be thrown away, confident he could repair it. Above all, he treasured time spent with family—his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings, cousins, and the many relatives and friends who enriched his life. Bud’s faith in God was a driving force for how he lived his life. He served wholeheartedly at his church as an act of love in many ways over the years: singing in the choir, as a trustee, serving on the counsel, helping as a handyman, and even roasting a pig! He also loved and supported the ministry of Michigan Lutheran Seminary (and all the many students) and its mission to further the Gospel. Bud’s faith in God was evident to the end and a foundation for his daily trust and walk with the Lord. He was confident of his heavenly home. Bud is survived by his wife, Virgene; their children Becky (Darrell) Berg, Pam (d. Tom) Welch, Mark (Sandy) Klockziem, Marty (Joel) Witzel, and Rachel (d. David) Latty; grandchildren Mandi (Christian) Malenkos, Kayla (Jimmy) Smith, Tommy (Grace) Welch, Emily Cook, Evan (Savannah) Klockziem, Madeline Witzel, Helena Witzel, Marcus (Rachel) Witzel, Josh (Emily) Latty, and Liz (Chordelle) DiSalvo; and 20 great grandchildren, and two (Francis Ivy Welch and Warren Reed Klockziem), who are in heaven. Bud is also survived by siblings Roger (Dorothy) Klockziem, Roseann (Ron) Schultz, Kay (Larry) Retberg; sister-in-law Mary Armitage; and many dear nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Bud was preceded in death by his parents; brother Richard Klockziem; sister-in-law Barb Klockziem; sister Ruth Wardin and her husband Roger; and sons-in-law David Latty and Tom Welch. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 606 Forest Ave., Fond du Lac, WI. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Pastor Chris Rathje will officiate. Burial will take place at a later date following cremation. Those wishing to offer an expression of sympathy may consider Redeemer Lutheran Church and School Building Fund or the Winnebago Lutheran Academy Building Fund. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Liberty House for their dignified and loving care of Ralph during the past 13 months.

Ralph "Bud" C. Klockziem Jr.

February 20, 1939 - July 4, 2026