March 29, 2013
Jonathan Chan

We’re saddened to hear of the death of one our dear friends and partners, Allan Klotsche, this past Thursday. It would be hard in this brief space to recount everything that he’s meant to us.  His decades of corporate and non-profit experience were an invaluable resource. But even more than that, his wisdom, compassion, and his steady, gentle presence are irreplaceable.  He was a pillar of the Vero Beach community, and an incredible partner in helping Haitians change Haiti.

Allan was a key adviser to John and Kent as they started Haiti Partners in 2008-2009. After the earthquake in 2010, he connected us with Briggs & Stratton, making it possible for us to bring 240 of  their generators to Haiti, providing power to schools, clinics, and other key facilities during the relief and recovery operations. Along with his wife Mary, he was a strong supporter of the WOZO Youth Choir, and helped provide music and arts education training to teachers at our partner schools. Over the last few years, he visited Haiti numerous times, and was always a welcome presence for our Haitian friends and colleagues.

There’s so much more that could be said (see below for an obituary that remembers more of his selfless life). For now, Allan, from all of us Haiti Partners, you’ll be deeply missed. Be at peace knowing that you’ve impacted so many lives for the better. We know that today you have heard “Well done, good and faithful servant”.

Allan John Klotsche, Sr.

Allan John Klotsche Sr., 73, of Vero Beach, FL, entered into eternal life on March 28, 2013. Allan was born on November 8, 1939 to parents, Dr. J. Martin & Roberta (Roberts) Klotsche.

Allan began his career as an independent insurance agent, which eventually led to the formation of Gollusch, Klotsche & Hiller, a Milwaukee-based agency which he later sold to Willis Corroon. Allan continued his career with Willis Corroon as the director of their Milwaukee operations, and later served as president and chief executive officer of Willis Corroon Minnesota.

Beyond work, Allan was passionate about giving back to others. While living in Milwaukee, Allan was very involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), where he served on their board and as chairman. Upon retirement and his move to Vero Beach in 1993, Allan continued his devotion to serving others. He was surprised there was no local BBBS chapter, and decided to start one. Allan’s special involvement in the lives of his “Little Brothers” led to the adoption of his son Brandon Phillips Klotsche, as well as weekly mentoring with Brantavius Valliere. Allan also was a faithful servant of Our Savior Lutheran Church and became an ordained Deacon in 2009. After becoming ordained, Allan actively served on the ELCA Florida-Bahamas Synod Council. Through his involvement in the community, Allan also became involved in Haiti Partners, a non-profit focused on helping Haitians change Haiti through education.

Allan is survived by his loving children; son, Allan John (Mary) Klotsche Jr. of Milwaukee, WI, daughter, Wendy (Kevin) Orthober of Cedarburg, WI, son, Brandon Phillips Klotsche of Vero Beach; cherished grandchildren, Allan John Klotsche III, Christopher Klotsche, Kaitlyn Kohler, Kristina Orthober and Jacob Orthober; loving brothers, John Chester Klotsche of Santa Barbara, CA, Charles and Martin Klotsche of Palm Beach, FL.

Memorial services will be held at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1439 6th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL, April 2, 2013 at 4:30 pm, with reception to follow in the church Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters – St. Lucie County, Inc.

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