Some people make a difference – over and over and over again. John Klaudt was one of those people.

John began his teaching career at Riceville High School in 1961 then in 1964 he accepted a position at Clear Lake High School. Among his lasting contributions to the youth in our community is the wrestling program he started and committed from its onset to excellence.

As a teacher, wrestling coach and official, football coach, and administrative assistant to the principal, John spent long hours working with and for kids. He taught skills and equally important he taught the values of hard work, perseverance, and dedication.

John also enjoyed music in general and played drums in different bands. For a time, he played with a popular jazz group made up of Clear Lake High School students, teachers, and community members.

However, the greatest legacy John gave us was the example of steadfast courage he exhibited when life grew tough. Long before he was able to reach the peak of his career, Parkinson’s Disease began to take its toll. Day after day, when most people would have given up and stayed home, he came to school, determined to do his job well. He had to give up coaching and officiating, but stayed at his job as assistant principal until 1981 when he really could no longer work.

John started living his values early: he was awarded the Eagle Scout and also received a heroism award at the age of 15 for rescuing a friend in a boating accident on the Cedar River in Waverly. John graduated from Waverly High School in 1956 and Wartburg College in 1961 with a major in physical education and a minor in business education. He received his master’s degree in 1970. He lived in Clear Lake with his wife Sandy, raising their three children, Jeff, Jason and Jodi, here. He died in June of 2001, ending his 29-year battle with his disease.