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John Frederick Klatt

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John, 74 years old, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2020 at home with his wife of 56 years at his side. He fought a hero’s battle against his illness for several years, not wanting to leave his family but at the end he was ready and eager to meet his Lord. John was born in Reno Nevada. He is predeceased by his parents John & Teddy Klatt and by one brother. He is survived by his Reno high school sweetheart-wife, Marilyn; three daughters Deanna Landgraf, Debby Hanna and Jennifer Motzer; three grandchildren, Tyler Landgraf, Lena Landgraf and Chloe Motzer; two sisters, Judy Klatt of Reno and Donna Fitzgerald, Washoe Valley.
John started his working life as a cook at the Frostop Drive-in and the Prospectors Club at Harrah’s, both in Reno. In 1969 he began his insurance career, first in Reno then in 1975 to Colorado Springs, CO with Equitable Life & Casualty. In 1988 he opened his own insurance office in Phoenix, Sun City and later in Sun City West, The Retirement Planning Center.
Cars were always a passion for John which led him to racing at T-Car Speedway in the early 1970’s in Carson City NV. In recent years John rebuilt a 1954 Ford F100 pickup. He showed this pickup at many local cars shows, winning praise & awards.
John and Marilyn also enjoyed many years of traveling the USA in their motorhome.
John was known as Big John and he was always ready to have coffee, a donut and visit with everyone in local café’s. He was greatly loved and will be forever missed.
A Celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date.