Leslie M. “Chick” Klais, age 95, of Stitzer, WI died on Friday afternoon June 26, 2020 at the Boscobel Care & Rehabilitation in Boscobel. He was born on February 1, 1925 the son of Leslie and Mary (Novinskie) Klais. Chick enlisted in the U.S. Marines and served from 1945 until being honorably discharged in 1946 and serving during WWII. While overseas, Chick received letters from a pen pal and later to find out, it was Hazel Martin. Chick and Hazel were united in marriage on June 26, 1948 in rural Cuba City.
Chick and his brother owned and operated a stockyard in Stitzer along with running milk trucks. Having his curiosity get the best of him, Chick watched a painter one afternoon and found his passion in life; Klais Sign Company began. Being self-taught, he created and painted handcrafted signs throughout the area along with learning how to blow glass and create neon signs. His work was amazing and his creativity was second to none. From everything to signs, billboards, automobiles, Chick could do it. His artwork is still throughout the area and in many bars in southwest Wisconsin on paper plates or napkins, often telling a short story, or a birthday wish, maybe an event in the news.
His peaceful nature along with his whit and humor would always brighten your day; he loved to share his Philosophies by Klais, with a grin. He was the best “Husband”,“Dad” and “Grandfather” and dearly loved his community of Stitzer. He was a volunteer for the Stitzer Fire Department and also served as Chief for several years. He felt very touched to be selected for the Badger Honor Flight and shared that event with his good friend, Lloyd Tarrell. The memory of Chick Klais will be deeply cherished by many.
Chick is survived by his two children; Michael Klais of Las Vegas, NV, and Nikki Whitaker of Stitzer, two grandchildren; Chad Klais and Sydney Whitaker, two great grandchildren; Dillon and Colton Klais, along with several nieces and nephews and his best buddy Kevin Wilson of Fennimore.
Chick was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife Hazel on April 28, 2016, son-in-law William “Bill” Whitaker on June 8, 2019, three brothers; Charles, Ray, and Albert Klais and an infant sister.
A public graveside service with special music and military honors will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Sunday afternoon July 12, 2020 at the Stitzer Lutheran Cemetery in Stitzer, WI. In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials or cards of sympathy can be sent to the Larson Family Funeral Home at 925 10th St. Fennimore, WI 53809.