Roger Klotz

Roger Leo Klotz was born on August 31,1947, at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena to Eleanor and Louis Klotz. He passed on August 21, 2024, surrounded by his family and is now in the loving arms of God.

Roger was the fourth child of six and grew up in Monrovia, CA. From an early age, Roger found a number of hobbies and passions that he would carry throughout his life. His father passed on his love of saltwater fishing to Roger and his brothers, they were always looking for a reason to grab their rods and reels. His mother instilled in him a deep love and devotion to the Catholic Church. Roger was always in motion, if he wasn’t helping his dad in his furniture shop or fishing, he could be found playing football and drag racing his Chevy Corvair, for which he held a world record.

Roger met his first great love Kathy Burnham, whom he married in the spring of 1969. Right after he tied the knot, Roger joined the United States Air Force, acing an aptitude test which jump started his career in telecommunications. He was stationed in Taipei, Taiwan where he attained the rank of Staff Sgt, and welcomed his first child, Shannon.

After his four years in Taipei, Roger and Kathy moved back to California where Roger went to work for Western Union Data Services. During this same time his family grew to include his oldest son, Chris, as well as his second daughter Karolyn. Over the next 5 years Kathy and Roger moved around eventually settling in Plano, Texas. Roger accepted a position at Northern Telecom, rising in ranks to become a Sr Vice President. While living in Plano, they welcomed their last child, David.

Plano was a great place to raise a family and provided Roger with the opportunity to fish at all the local lakes. His thirst for competition led him to join Strike Kings Bass Club where he won numerous competitions for his angling prowess. During this time Roger instilled his love of travel in his children, taking them on numerous vacations while being steadfast in his attendance to his Catholic faith at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.

Roger retired from Nortel in 1998 and went on to start several businesses in telecommunications and technology. Unfortunately, in 2002 his wife Kathy became ill and was diagnosed with dementia. It was around this time Roger accepted a position as the CEO of SkyPort, a telecom company in Houston. These years were difficult for Roger as he would work long days in Houston and drive home every weekend to take care of Kathy. After seven long years, Kathy eventually passed in 2009 with Roger by her side.

After Kathy’s death, Roger was blessed to find true love again with Mary Baldy. Mary and Roger shared a deep commitment to their Catholic faith, and their military backgrounds, as Mary retired after serving 20 years as an Army nurse. Mary and Roger married in the summer of 2010. They enjoyed traveling, serving their community and became pillars at All Saints Catholic Church. During this time, he renewed his commitment to the Knights of Columbus proudly achieving his 4th degree.

Roger left SkyPort and became the COO of No Magic Inc. before retiring in 2014. Roger supported the Texas Revolution Indoor Football team and became the oldest indoor football player at age 66, eventually winning an Indoor Football Super Bowl Ring, for which he wore proudly. Roger enjoyed watching the Dallas Cowboys every Sunday and spending quality time with his five amazing grandchildren. The last few years were tough on Roger as his health began to decline; however, his loving wife and family supported him all the way to the end.

Roger had a great sense of humor and loved a good joke. He enjoyed watching action, sci-fi and war movies, as well as barbequing for friends and family. He was a proud veteran, sporting a US flag pin on his jacket with pride. There was no limit to his generosity, as Roger would do anything for his family or friends. Although Roger is no longer with us, his legacy and memory will be forever in our hearts.

Roger is survived by his wife Mary Baldy Klotz; children Chris Klotz and his wife Heather, Karolyn Klotz and David Klotz and his wife Katherine; grandchildren Kaitlyn and Harrison Klotz, Jameson and Presley Dankowski and Isabelle Klotz and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.  He was preceded in death by his first wife Kathleen Klotz; daughter Shannon Kathleen Klotz; parents; siblings Nicky Friend, Mike Klotz, Bob Klotz, John Klotz and Don Klotz.

There will be a visitation from 4-6:00 p.m., Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Allen Family Funeral Options.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 16, 2024, at All Saints Catholic Church.

Roger will be laid to rest with military honors at the Dallas/Ft. Worth National Cemetery, Dallas, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, a contribution may be made in Roger's name to American Diabetes Association at: https://diabetes.org/ or American Heart Association at: https://www.heart.org/