William Richard Klauer, 84, of Dubuque, died Saturday, October 17, 2026, at his home.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Bill will be 10:00 am Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Church of the Nativity with Msgr. James Miller and Father Jacob Francois as the Concelebrants. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

William was born April 27, 1942, in Dubuque, the son of William J. and Caroline R. (Conlon) Klauer.

Bill attended Nativity grade school, Loras Academy and Wahlert Catholic High School. He graduated from Loras College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree.

He served as President of Klauer Manufacturing Company, where he began his career immediately after college and never retired.

As a young entrepreneur, Bill ran a candy store in a former chicken coop in the family’s backyard. Bill’s profit margin would dip when his brothers helped themselves to the merchandise. During his college years, he worked at Modern Music at 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, where he was famous for his Bloody Marys. 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, Dubuque Shooting Society 990, Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dubuque, Julien Dubuque Yacht Club, Dubuque Golf & Country Club, and the BCI Group.

Survivors include two brothers, Bob (Judy) Klauer, and Jim (Nancy) Klauer, both of Dubuque; one niece, Kristen (Mike) Igo of Dubuque; four nephews, Jim (Kathleen) Klauer of Andover, MA, Bill Klauer of Dubuque, Mike (Emily) Klauer of Dubuque, and Justin Klauer of Milwaukee, WI; 11 great-nieces and nephews, Caroline Igo, Patrick Igo, Matthew (Katie) Klauer, Caitlin Klauer, Daniel Klauer, Thomas Klauer, Abigail Klauer, Henry Klauer, Ryan Klauer, Mia Klauer, and Josh Klauer; and many great friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Dubuque Regional Humane Society, Hospice of Dubuque, Stonehill Communities, and the Church of the Nativity.

Bill’s family would like to thank the staff at Stonehill At Home and Hospice of Dubuque, his caregivers Jean Finn, Kay Weiland, Dawn Stewart, Charalin Simon and all of his friends, especially John and Dee Sanner, for their care and support.