Obituary: Walter Klaft, 90, Ludington.

Walter Klaft

Obituary: Walter Klaft, 90, Ludington.

Walter J. Klaft, 90, of Ludington, met his wife Ruthie in heaven on July 23, 2017.

Walter was born on June 5, 1927 in Ludington, the son of Walter and Lena (Fassoth) Klaft.  He graduated from Ludington High School in 1946 then enlisted in the United States Navy.  While in the US Navy, Walter received the Victory Medal and a Good Conduct Medal.  On August 28, 1948, he married the love of his life, Ruth Dawson, and raised five children.  After Walter’s discharge from the Navy in 1950, he began his career at Sylvania Corporation.   He attended Northwestern University, and received his  associate’s degree in electrical engineering in 1950, graduating with honors.  

Walter was a member of the American Legion and was very active at Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Scottville, serving in any way he could.  Walter was a jack-of-all-trades who enjoyed fishing and singing and playing the harmonica.  As a strict but loving father, he passed on his love of math and science, and his number one goal was to take care of his family.

Walter is survived by his children: Walter Dawson (Lynko) Klaft, Eric Bruce Klaft, Susan Lee (Eric) Wells, and Brett David Klaft; daughter-in-law, Amiko Klaft; siblings: Richard (Sondra) Klaft, Caroline Coleman, Juanita Anderson, and Sally (Donald) Barbo; grandchildren: Aubrey and Peter, Alan Klaft, Jenifer (Kevin) Walton,  Brigid and Benjamin, Deric (Jessica), Amanda, and Rachel,  Allison (Vince) Humes, Jenna Klaft and Nathan Klaft; 18 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandson.

Preceding Walter in death are his parents; his son Richard Alan Klaft; his grandson Richard Martin Klaft; his brother Gary Klaft; and his  brother-in-law  Charlie Coleman.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 31, 2017 at 4 p.m., with a time of visitation starting at 3 p.m. at Ludington State Park Pavilion, Hamlin Lake Beach.

Please share your fond memories of Walter at www.OakGroveFH.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Ludington.