Encyclopedia Dubuque
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KLAUER, William R.: Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 19:06, 24 October 2026
KLAUER, William R. "Bill" (Dubuque, IA, Apr. 27, 1942--Dubuque, IA, Oct. 17, 2026) The son of William J. and Caroline R. (Conlon) Klauer. William R. attended Nativity grade school, LORAS COLLEGE and {[WAHLERT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL]]Wahlert Catholic High School. He graduated from LORAS COLLEGE where he earned his bachelor’s degree.
He served as President of KLAUER MANUFACTURING COMPANY immediately after college and never retired. He rose to the presidency of the company in 1984 after succeeding his father as the fourth generation to hold the position. His two younger brothers Jim and Bob headed the sheet metal and SNOGO snowplow divisions of the company. Bill passed the position of president to his nephew, Michael Klauer, in 2018.
As a youngster, Bill routinely cleaned NATIVITY CHURCH. As a young entrepreneur, Bill ran a candy store using candy his had purchased downtown in a former chicken coop in the family’s backyard. It was remembered by the family that his profit margin dipped when his brothers helped themselves to the merchandise. During his college years, he worked at MODERN MUSICat 6th and Main Street in Dubuque selling records and phonographs. The owners liked and trusted Bill enough to toss him the keys to the shop when they left for winter vacations.
In his leisure time, Bill enjoyed boating and traveling, especially the 40-year traditional family vacation at Dairymen’s in Boulder Junction, WI. He also enjoyed many cruises and trips to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with family and friends.
Bill was dedicated to serving the Dubuque community and believed strongly in giving back. He demonstrated this commitment through his involvement and served on the board of Clarke College Development Council, Nativity Church Parish, Rovers Club, and DUBUQUE SHOOTING SOCIETY 990. He was a founding board member of the COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREATER DUBUQUE, a four decade member of theBOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF GREATER DUBUQUE, Julien Dubuque Yacht Club, DUBUQUE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB, and the BCI Group. He led the Klauer Family Charitable Foundation to make many donations including to the GRAND OPERA HOUSE renovation in the early 2000s. In family also sponsored an annual show at the Opera House. In recent years, Bill turned his financial focus on the DUBUQUE REGIONAL HUMANE SOCIETY.
Despite his many commitments, Bill always met with childhood friends for dinner in a groups they caled the "Bachelor Club International."
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Source:
Gleason, Thomas, "Klauer Led a Life of Giving," October 23, 2026, p. 1A