Francis Klitz

Francis Klitz, 92, of West Point, died Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Franciscan Healthcare in West Point.  Memorial Mass will be 10:30am on Monday, October 28 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point.  Burial with military honors will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery with lunch following at the Nielsen Center.  Visitation will be Sunday from 5:00pm to 7:00pm with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7:00pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Ugandan Mission or St. Michael’s Cemetery.  Arrangements by Stokely Funeral Home.

Francis Herman Klitz was born on July 22, 1932, to Frank J. and Gertrude (Kaup) Klitz at their home in rural Snyder. Francis attended St. Leo’s Catholic School in Snyder, completing his education through the eighth grade. In 1952, he answered the call to serve his country, joining the United States Army and serving in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1954.  On June 2, 1956, Francis married Theresa Scheppers at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Snyder. Together, they built a beautiful life northeast of West Point, raising their 5 sons and working with hogs and cattle.

Francis was a man of deep faith, generosity, and service. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th Degree, the VFW, and the American Legion. His dedication to his community included serving as a 4-H leader, a Eucharistic minister to the homebound, and a member of St. Mary’s Parish Council. Francis was instrumental in organizing and assisting with the annual Family Fun Day dinner.

His hobbies reflected his passion for agriculture and community. He especially enjoyed raising Holstein calves and was known for his skill in preparing meat and catering. For over three decades, he and Theresa hosted the much-loved family pig roast creating fond memories for countless friends and relatives.

He is survived by his wife, Theresa; son, Lynn (Kim), John (Alice), Chris (Angi), Chad, and Kevin (JoDene) all of West Point; grandchildren, Ryan Klitz, Caitlin Odame, Mikayla Gaver, Cammie Klitz, Kirsten Owens, Eric Klitz, Nathan Klitz, Connor Klitz, Ross Klitz, and Braxton Klitz, 10 great grandchildren; sisters, Mary Jo Wilson and Patricia Samuelson; and brothers, Charles, Eugene, and Michael.  He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Margaret Ortmeier, Dorothy Heimann, JoAnn Reilly, Rita Walter, and Rosemary Stander; and brother, Joseph Klitz.