Wallace "Wally" E. Klempel's Obituary
Wallace "Wally" E. Klempel, age 83, of Grand Haven passed away Saturday, October 14, 2006, at a local care facility. He was born October 22, 1922, to Otto Klempel and Mary Allman in Grand Haven, MI. Wally was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, of Grand Haven. He was also a member of the American Legion, the Rod and Gun Club, and a life long employee of Ottawa Steel as a machinist. Wally enjoyed serving the Lord first and foremost. He made several mission trips to Honduras, led praise time at local nursing homes, and was very involved with his church serving as both Elder and Deacon. Around 1940, Wally and his brothers Clare and Rich formed a hockey team with neighborhood boys on the Grand River. They would use tree branches for sticks, catalogs as shin guards, and a tin can cut down and taped for a puck. Sweat suit 'uniforms' which they dyed red would stain their skin and leave red marks on the ice when they fell. Their efforts grew into a talented team called the "East End Rovers" that traveled as far as Detroit in 1942. Further aspirations for the team members ended when they were called to service in WWII. Wally proudly served the Navy on the South Pacific seas, in the engine room of the destroyer "SS Case". Another of Wally's special achievements was the band he and friends formed in the 1950's, known statewide as "The Polka Kings". They would often play at Fricano's Restaurant in Grand Haven for a cover charge of .75 cents. Over the years he shared his musical talents by teaching guitar to nieces and nephews, and would leave his guitars in Honduras after each mission trip. Wally was an avid outdoorsman. He hunted for over 40 years with his brother Clare, nephew Steve, and Herm Ott who was a faithful friend through Wally's last days on earth. He also introduced downhill skiing to nieces and nephews, loved XC skiing, fishing, boating, canoeing, and was actively biking until the age of 80. Survivors include his brother Richard (Lois) Klempel of Grand Haven, nieces and nephews; Lynda Klempel, Gayle (Walker) Parmelee, Janna (Barry) Houghton, Deb (Russ) Rymal, Jim (Nicole) Klempel, Scott (Kristen) Klempel, Sue Poel, Steve (Barb) Klempel, Lori (Ted) Van Hall, many great nieces and nephews, and a great great niece. He was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law Clarence & Joan Klempel. A Memorial Service for Mr. Klempel will be held on Friday, November 3rd, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's United Church of Christ. Memorials to St. Paul's United Church of Christ - for the "2007 Youth Mission Trip to Honduras" are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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