Donald L. Klauer, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home, July 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, leadership, generosity, and unwavering devotion to his family and community.

Friends and family may visit from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the Church of the Resurrection in Dubuque.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the church. Entombment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Don was born on July 24, 1935, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Clarence and Ruth (Stierman) Klauer. He attended Sacred Heart Grade School and Loras Academy, where he developed the faith, work ethic, and lifelong friendships that shaped the man he would become.

On May 11, 1957, Don married Patricia O’Meara, at Nativity Church in Dubuque. Together they built a home centered on faith, family, and love and were blessed with 5 children and 6 grandchildren before Patricia’s passing on February 10, 1992. Don would be blessed with 5 more grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

On September 30,1994, Don married Debra Knaeble, who brought renewed joy, companionship, and love into his life. Together they shared many wonderful years. Through their marriage, Don was also blessed with 2 stepdaughters, 5 step-grandchildren and 2 step-great grandchildren. He embraced them as his own.

As longtime members of Resurrection Parish, Don and Patti believed deeply in Catholic education. They proudly sent all five of their children to Resurrection Grade School, and each graduated from Wahlert High School. Their commitment to Catholic education became one of the lasting legacies they left to their family.

Don, also known as Butch, Snapper, and Donny, was an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather—he was “Bapa” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His quick wit, infectious smile, and gift for making people laugh made him someone others naturally gravitated toward. Whether telling a story, teasing a grandchild, or offering quiet encouragement, Don made everyone feel welcome. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, celebrating their accomplishments, and creating memories that will be treasured forever.

When he wasn’t with family or serving his community, Don loved being outdoors. He took great pride in caring for his yard and garden, where he found both peace and purpose. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing with many close friends. Whether working in the garden, spending a day on the golf course, in a fishing boat, in the woods, or playing poker or euchre, Don treasured the friendships and conversations that accompanied those moments. He had a way of making every outing memorable, and those who shared them with him will cherish those memories for years to come.

A man of deep faith, Don devoted countless hours to Resurrection Parish. He served on the Parish Council, school board, parish festival committee, and numerous other committees. One of his proudest accomplishments was chairing the capital campaign that led to the construction of the new Resurrection Church in 1985.

Don’s professional life was equally remarkable. He began working at Klauer Optical as a teenager before serving his country during a two-year enlistment in the United States Army. After returning home, he rejoined the family business and became the driving force behind Klauer Optical’s transition in the early 1960s from a wholesale and retail operation to a fully retail business.

His commitment to service extended well beyond the optical industry. Locally, Don was active in the Jaycees, the Knights of Columbus, the Citizen Advisory Board, and many other organizations. He chaired a United Way fundraising campaign and served on the boards of First National Bank, Hospice of Dubuque, and Finley Hospital.

Nationally, Don served as President of the Opticians Association of Iowa and the Opticians Association of America. He also served on the boards of the American Board of Opticianry, the National Academy of Opticians, the Contact Lens Society of America and the National Contact Lens Examiners Board.

Don is survived by his beloved wife, Debra Knaeble Klauer; children, Carrie (John)  Klauer, Connie (Bob) Adam, Jeffrey (Joyce) Klauer, Greg (Kat) Klauer, and Kathy Klauer; stepdaughters, Michele Jackson and Jessica Salow;  11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 5 step-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; sister Joni; sister-in-law Linda Calloway; brother-in-law Ken  (Jeanie)  O’Meara; brother-in-law Jim (Charlie) O’Meara; sister-in-law Linda (Jack) Nachtman, brother-in-law Dan (Deb) Knaeble and brother-in-law Dave (Sandy) Knaeble; special cousin Charles L Klauer whom he worked with for many years; extended family; and many dear friends and colleagues.

He was preceded in death by his beloved first wife, Patricia O’Meara Klauer and her parents Francis and Leonard O’Meara; parents Clarence and Ruth Klauer; brother Jack Klauer and sister-in-law Mary Klauer; brother-in-law Richard Davison; mother-in-law Hazel Knaeble; father-in-law James Knaeble; his O’Meara in-laws; and other extended family members.