Mr. Earl Edward “Ed” Klapp, 92, of East Galesburg, Illinois died at 9:42 p.m. Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, Illinois.
He was born on October 30, 1932, in Galesburg, the oldest son of ten children to Earl J. and Pauline (Johnson) Klapp. He married the love of his life, Marilyn Engman, on July 15, 1983, in Galesburg.
Surviving is his wife of over 41 years, Marilyn Klapp of East Galesburg, a son, Steve Klapp of Galesburg, three daughters, Tricia (and Al) Adams of Knoxville, Illinois, Alison (and Todd) Olinger of East Galesburg, and Jodi Klapp Eaves of Cottonwood, Alabama, a daughter-in-law, Susan Klapp of Galesburg, a brother, Bruce Klapp of Des Moines, Iowa, three sisters, Sandy (and Bob) O’Connor of Marion, Iowa, Dee Alexander of Weldon, North Carolina, and Toni (and Duane) Ogg of Inverness, Florida, eleven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren, and many special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Edward Lee Klapp on March 24, 2022, a daughter, Debra Joyce Klapp on May 1, 1973, three brothers, William “Bill” Klapp, Max Klapp, and David Klapp, and two sisters, Earlene Harvey and Donna King.
Ed started working as a young teenager as a bus boy at the Hotel Custer to help support his family. He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1948. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1949 to 1951. When he came home from the war, he began working for Admiral/Maytag Manufacturing Company in Galesburg on January 15, 1951. He started in the warehouse as a leadman on the loading docks, then a foreman, then supervisor, then general supervisor, and retired as the Manager of Warehouse Operations. He retired after 45 and a half years on May 1, 1996. Ed not only worked at the factory full time he also worked as a car salesman at Lincoln Mercury, and also owned and operated his own car lot. He worked at Hi Lo grocery store and drove a school bus for Galesburg District #205 all to support his family. He attended United Emmanuel Methodist Church in Galesburg. He was a member of the Galesburg American Legion Post #285 and later transferred his membership to the Knoxville American Legion Post #749. He volunteered for both American legions by helping with cooking, fish fries, Celebration of Life events, and parties. When he was younger, he coached a Babe Ruth little league team and always allowed all of the kids to play, no matter their skill level. The team members remember him and still call him Mr. Klapp or Coach. In his free time, Ed enjoyed golfing and watching sports. After retirement he spent numerous days at Bunker Links Golf Course and enjoyed the comradery with his golfing buddies. He attended several Illini basketball games with his brother and nephew and went to the Illinois vs. Iowa football game with his wife, brothers and spouses every year. He was an avid fan of the Illini, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago Bears. Ed traveled all over for work, but the travel time he loved the most was with his wife and family to Treasure Island, Florida and spending the winter months in Orange Beach, Alabama. Ed always made sacrifices for his family, especially when he did all that he could to save his daughter Debbie’s life by donating his kidney to her when she needed one. He was a wonderful father to his children and grandfather to his grandchildren. To his wife Marilyn, he was her best friend, true love, and she was very proud of him.
Cremation will be accorded. The memorial service will be at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg. Chaplain Jordan Knight will officiate. Military Rites will be conducted by the Knox County Honor Guard following the service at the funeral home. The Celebration of Life will be from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Knoxville American Legion. Memorials may be made to the family for playground equipment at Debbie Klapp Park, Knoxville American Legion, or to the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
