Friedrich W. Klohe

Friedrich Fritz Klohe, 80, died on January 13, 2012 at home after a brief illness. Fritz was born in Grunstadt, Germany on January 9, 1932 the son of Wilhelm and Susanne Klohe of Grunstadt, Germany. He was trained in technical school and worked as a mechanic in his father's business. In 1953, Fritz moved to America and married Johanna Joan Krauss and they resided in Queens and later Brooklyn, New York. He worked for E. Koeppel, an automobile dealership in Queens. In 1976, they moved to Mayfield, New York where they had a summer home and took up permanent residency. Fritz worked for several automobile dealerships in the area prior to retiring. He continued to work part time as a mechanical tradesman and generously donated many hours helping friends and neighbors "fix things". Fritz is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joan Klohe, two children, Susan Cox of Longwood, Florida and William Klohe of Mayfield, New York, two grandchildren, Jennifer Swenson of Longwood, Florida and Courtney Mourlas of Grasonville, Maryland, and two and soon to be three great-grandchildren, Isabella Swenson and Carly Mourlas. Parker Swenson will be arriving shortly. Fritz's passions in life were helping his family, friends, and neighbors. Fritz loved good home cooked German food, Joan's fantastic cheesecake and pound cakes, and limburger cheese whenever he could sneak it in. He actively enjoyed sailing, boating, water skiing, and viewing sports, especially NASCAR racing. He spent many hours enjoying the Great Sacandaga Lake from his back deck. Relatives and friends are invited to visit Saturday, January 21 between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville, New York 12078. Funeral services will be held at Walrath & Stewart funeral home on Saturday, January 21 at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Avenue, Gloversville, NY 12078.