Richard Klotz Obituary

Richard L. "Rick" Klotz

May 7, 1947 - Mar 18, 2025

Norwalk

Richard L. ("Rick") Klotz of Norwalk died Tuesday, March 18, 2025, of metastatic pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his son and wife, Eric and Amy Klotz of Nashville, and treasured grandson Zachary, as well as sisters, Carol (Kevin) Seckel, Mary Frintner, and Janet Orwick. Rick married Judith Ann Pierce in 1967; Judy passed away in 2021. Other family members and many steadfast friends mourn his loss.

Rick was born May 7, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York, the oldest child of Ann and Leonard Klotz. Following high school in Cincinnati, Rick attended Kent State University and served in the Vista ("domestic Peace Corps") program. Rick and Judy moved to Norwalk in the early 1970s, where they remained for life.

Rick's career included service at Milan Steel and Suhr Kitchens, as well as several smaller firms. Starting out as a draftsman, he became a talented engineer in the areas of design, purchasing, and execution for varied manufacturing projects.

Rick was passionate about cars, planes, hiking, travel, history, and books. In his younger years, he participated in Jaycee projects in town; later, he enjoyed serving in the Firelands Historical Society. As a teen, he hiked a section of the Appalachian Trail and returned over time to complete additional hikes. He and Judy traveled widely, to Alaska, Ireland, England and many national parks. He was an avid collector, researcher, and judge of antique cars. He was active in the Norwalk area's Car Coddlers Club and was recognized by the Antique Auto Club of America (AACA) as a senior master judge, having worked at more than 50 national events. Over the years, he built a noteworthy collection of books and models on both antique cars and wartime aircraft. Each year, he eagerly anticipated the annual antique car show in Hershey, PA, where he nurtured both automotive interests and friendships.

In recent years, Rick and Judy found community with the St. Paul Episcopal Church in Norwalk; they also worked at the local food bank and cared deeply about the provision of basic needs and equity of opportunity for all.

A funeral service, followed by interment at Riverside Cemetery, Berlin Heights, will be Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 1 p.m. at St. Paul Episcopal Church.

Donations in remembrance of Rick may be made to UH Seidman Cancer Center at Firelands Regional Medical Center https://www.foundationforfirelands.com/foundation/ways-to-give/donate-online/, or to St. Paul Episcopal Church, 87 W Main St, Norwalk, Ohio, 44857.

Online expressions of sympathy may be made by visiting www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com