Requiescat in Pace

You may remember a couple months back my dad had a stroke (January 26).  Yesterday morning he passed over to eternal life, 2 days short of his 80th birthday.  Because of the corona virus pandemic situation we cannot have the funeral he deserves; but my mother and I will bury him on Thursday; my siblings being spread about the state and upper mid-west.  A memorial Mass will be celebrated once the pandemic subsides.  what follows is his obituary and a eulogy written by my sister, Elizabeth.  Thank-you for your many prayers.

Edward Emil Klos, age 79, passed away in the arms of his loving wife early Monday morning, April 6, 2020; two days short of his 80^th birthday.  Edward, the son of Emil and Anna (Rybarczyk) Klos, was raised in La Crosse, WI.  He attended St. Wenceslaus Catholic School, Central High School, and then La Crosse State University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in education and later his Master’s.  More importantly this is where he met his wife of 57 years, Patricia (Downing) selling brooms for the Newman Club.  They were married on August 11, 1962 and settled in Westby where he taught Chemistry & Physics for 38 years and did carpentry work during the summer.  Ed retired in 2000 to full time carpentry and repair work which he had done since his teenage years.  He also loved relieving Pat of childcare responsibilities and taking the children for a wagon ride to the bakery for cookies.  Ed & Pat were members of the Annunciation of the B.V.M. Church in Viroqua which was the foundation of their love for each other, their family, and their commitment to their community.  Ed was very active in his church, the Westby Lions (55 years), the Bethel Buttik, the Westby Investors, Tuesday Night Come to Supper, and the many community projects that came out of those organizations.  When his sons were of age he served as both Cubmaster and then Scoutmaster.  He served on the church council and taught catechism for a number of years.  He and Pat chaired the Sacred Liturgy committee for several years.  He was a Eucharistic Minister and put his carpentry skills to work around the church.  He was always available to help and gave much of his time to others but cherished time with his family.  He went on several pilgrimages, and he and Pat enjoyed many trips and cruises with the Daines’.  He especially enjoyed trips arranged by and taken with Tim.  Ed is survived by his wife, Patricia; their children: Fr. Michael of Cashton-Norwalk, Timothy of Wauwatosa, Patrick (Patricia) of Terre Haute, IN, and Elizabeth of Oshkosh; as well as his grandson Nicholas.  Ed was preceded in death by his daughter Lori, his parents, his brothers: Gene and Russell, his in-laws: Carl & Margaret (Gasper) Downing, and brother-in-law Jerry Downing.  Ed leaves a legacy of love for family and community service especially to those in need.

Elizabeth's Eulogy:

Things my dad taught me:

1. Be kind. Always. No exceptions.
2. Buy whatever small children are buying(unless the child is one of yours; then you are out of luck).
3. Chocolate and a Coke make everything better.
4. Never be afraid to show love/affection.
5. Get involved with your community.
6. If you have the ability to help someone in need, help them without any thought of getting something back in return.
7. Work hard.
8. If you love doing something, even if you are horrible at it, keep doing it just for the joy it brings you.
9. Be playful and have fun. Find joy in the people and things going on around you.
10. If you want to have a realistic view of home improvement/carpentry never, ever, EVER watch HGTV.
11. Accept and love people for who they are. Right now. Even if they aren't particularly cuddlesome right now.
12. "Car Talk", "Dr. Zorba Paster" and "A Prairie Home Companion" (the original) can make the worst/most frustrating job bearable.
13. Dream.
14. Be proud of your accomplishments but not prideful.
15. Never apologize for being able to see what others can't.
16. Have Faith. 
17. The secret to a happy life? Naps.
    

The world has lost a truly great man today; a gentle soul with the largest of hearts.