Edward E. Klos

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 80th birthday. Edward, the son of Emil and Anna (Rybarczyk) Klos, was raised in La Crosse, Wis. 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 and Physics for 38 years and did carpentry work during the summer. During his teaching years, he served terms as president of the Westby Area Education Association and chairperson of the Negotiating Committee. He represented the local teachers on the Coulee Region United Educators Board. 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 and 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 Club (55 years), the Bethel Butikk, the Westby Investors, Tuesday Night Come to Supper, and the many community projects that came out of those organizations. He and his brothers enjoyed riding and racing their Harley Davidson’s in their younger years. 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 and Pat enjoyed traveling. They went on several pilgrimages led by Cardinal Burke. He and Pat enjoyed many trips and cruises with the Daines family. He especially enjoyed trips arranged by and taken with Tim. They hosted and grew to love Rosa Gonzalez Cervera, a foreign exchange student from Madrid, Spain for a school year. Rosa is our beloved Spanish daughter. 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 and Margaret (Gasper) Downing, and his brother-in-law, Jerry Downing. Ed leaves a legacy of love for family and community service, especially to those in need. Special thanks to our family and friends who have been there for us in our time of need. Thank you also to his long time caretakers, Dr. Jeff Menn and Dr. Koons; to Vernon Memorial Hospital Emergency Department, Lutheran Hospital Emergency Room and the Neurology Department and to Norseland Nursing Home and St. Croix Hospice Team for their special care. A special “Thank You” to Jack for his letters to Ed. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 17, 2021, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Viroqua. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Memorials are appreciated to the St. Clare Health Mission-La Crosse, “Come for Supper”-Westby, or the Norse Fund-Westby. Vosseteig Funeral Home in Westby is serving Ed’s family. 708 S. Main St Westby, WI 54667 (608) 634-2100