Skip Klahorst passed away peacefully and surrounded by his loved ones on June 25, 2025, at the age of 79. He was born on May 27, 1946, in Racine, Wisconsin. In his early childhood Skip loved spending weekends and summers with his grandfather, Hans Peter Olson, on his farm on Olson Road, North Cape, Racine County. As a youth he hunted, drove a tractor, and helped harvest grain and deliver eggs to markets. Skip graduated from Pulaski High School in 1964. He lived a life of service, kindness, curiosity, and joy.
A proud Vietnam Veteran, Skip served with honor as a Green Beret in the 5th Special Forces, Airborne Division. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his bravery and dedication to his country. His strength and resilience were matched only by his gentle spirit and generous heart.
Despite the hardships he endured, Skip was endlessly patient, kind, and encouraging. He had a special gift for teaching, always eager to share his knowledge and lend a hand. Known as a handyman who could fix or build anything, Skip spent countless hours in his beloved workshop, tinkering with projects, working on his tractor, and creating his intricate model train display that paid tribute to the places and people he loved.
Skip had a wide range of passions: he was an avid reader of sci-fi and military thrillers, he enjoyed building and flying RC planes, boats, helicopters, and cars, he loved shooting skeet and trap and enjoying darts and billiards with Diane. He was a gifted conversationalist, always ready to share a story or listen to yours. His eyes would light up with a smile—gentle and warm—and he never turned down a good nap or a sweet treat.
He cherished spending time with his wife, Diane, the love of his life for 46 years. Their daily routine of coffee and conversation, walks on the pier with ice cream in hand, boating adventures and his love of watching fireworks aboard their boat “Health Insurance” and quiet evenings filled with laughter, were the cornerstones of a beautiful partnership. Skip also cherished his time at the American Legion in Cedarburg and thoroughly enjoyed the Vets breakfast on Thursday mornings, the camaraderie of his Sheepshead group, and the joy of giving Diane meaningful Christmas gifts each year.
Skip is preceded in death by his parents, Gley and Olene Klahorst and his treasured grandfather, Hans Peter Olson. He is survived by his beloved wife Diane; his sister Suanne (Russ), brother Jack, brother-in-law Leigh (Colleen); daughter Peggy (Alex), son Pete (Mary); and grandchildren Ryan (Allyson), Jake (Alli), and Kate. He was also dearly loved by many nieces, nephews, cousins, special friends—Bob, Denise, Tammy, Sam, Jean, and countless other friends.
He leaves behind his faithful cats, Butch and Rocco, and is now reunited with Zach, Sassy, and others who were waiting at the Rainbow Bridge.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 25 from 3pm until 8pm at the American Legion, Peter Wollner Post 288 in Cedarburg, where we will gather to honor a man who lived fully, loved deeply, and made the world a better place simply by being in it.
Skip’s legacy lives on in every life he touched, in every project he completed, and in every memory shared over coffee, ice cream, or a heartfelt conversation. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Skip’s memory to the American Legion, Peter Wollner Post 288 in Cedarburg or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in Staten Island, New York (www.T2T.org)