COTTAGE GROVE - Wilbur Roy “Moose” Klahn, age 96, of Cottage Grove, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 19, 2024, at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison. He was born on Oct. 5, 1927, at home in Leeds, Wis., the son of Lewis and Martha (Steffenhagen) Klahn.

Wilbur graduated from DeForest High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as an Engine Machinist 1st Class. After World War II, he worked on the Alaska Highway helping to build roadway infrastructure from Seward to Anchorage between 1949 and 1951.

On March 29, 1952, he married Laura (Cox) Klahn in Columbus, Wis. They moved and worked at Badger Ordnance Works in Baraboo, Wis. In 1957, they moved to Madison, Wis., where he became a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. In 1969, they moved to Cottage Grove, Wis., on a small farm where he enjoyed hobby farming, growing tobacco and raising some cattle while continuing to work for the US Postal Service until he retired in 1987. Moose continued to putz on the farm until he was 96.

Wilbur enjoyed fishing, golfing, hunting, and the Packers. He took pleasure in making home-made wine. His competitive side came out when he played euchre and participated in the local horseshoe league with Liberty Corners.

Wilbur Roy "Moose" Klahn is survived by his son, Michael L. Klahn; daughter, Cresent A. L'Sai; grandson, Hans Schuyler Paap; and sister, Frances (Klahn) Mattinson: and many, many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Martha; his wife, Laura; and five brothers and four sisters.

A funeral service will be held at ST. PAUL’S LIBERTY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3494 Oak Park Road, Deerfield, at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 3, 2024, with the Rev. Holly Slater presiding. Burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-542

Wilbur Roy "Moose" Klahn

October 05, 1927 - April 19, 2024

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