I was a friend to one of his kids.  Tom was always upbeat and welcoming to awkward teenagers, which is not always the case with adults. You could not help but be inspired by his relentless optimism and enthusiasm for whatever he was doing.  My thoughts and prayers are with his boys.  

Sorry to hear about my uncle Tom in Ft. Wayne. I'm glad my sister Julia and I were able to visit him and Mark in the recent past, just not last year due to the pandemic. I have a bowl and a paten he made that I'm grateful to have.

I'd always reminded you over the years, Tom, that you and Helen had raised three of the most intelligent, loving, faithful and caring men I'd ever met.
I am lucky enough to be married to one of them for 33 years now. I have saved so many of your letters  in which you express your love for each of us, always pointing out what you admired most about each of us and celebrating the uniqueness in our individual strengths and interests. (your handwriting perfect and artistic).
But my favorite memories are of the couple of times we went dancing with you. I loved seeing that carefree, fun loving side of  you and you were talented! 
Now I picture you with Helen again, the love of your life, after almost twenty long years . We will miss you Tom. May God rest your soul in peace.
Love Joyce

I am thankful to have met Tom.  No words will ever be able to comfort you but his legacy will continue with you. I will continue to carry the great memories of Lake Placid that he help shape. Where lives pass, memories carry on forever. Please know we are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.  We are wishing you peace and comfort during this hard time.  I hope this message will find you surrounded by strenght and compassion. Please accept our warmest condolenes and know we are only a phone call away. 
I will remeber him fondly in the setting of a perfect summer day at Lake Placid. 

Miriam

Part 2 of 2
Magic is all in the presentation, and the skill in hiding the obvious.  Between the Pledge and the Turn the magician was a little clumsy.  It was clear to me the ring was already in the inner box before the audience examined the sealed outer box.

The experience was great though.  My dad and I were in Vegas, having a blast.  The corny performance only increased our enjoyment.

I do not know where this magician is today.  One would think if he still performs magic that he is a little more skilled in the Pledge and Turn.

These last few years I feel like that magician.  Living with and taking care of my father, I was not really prepared or skilled in understanding how his emotional and physical issues would become such a challenge for me.  I am not saying I am now a professional caregiver, but I do think I am better prepared, more rehearsed.

Recently, dad and I talked more.  I was starting to see the dad in him.  These were only brief moments, but they were especially important to me.  While at the time in my caregiving I would not have stated this, I will now.  I really miss those times and would not trade it now for anything.

I love you dad.

Part 1 of 2
Over the last two decades my father and I shared many travel adventures.

A memory comes to mind on one of the several trips to Las Vegas.  Dad and I really enjoyed magic shows.  We have seen more well-known magician performances, and we also enjoyed some of the lessor known too.  The show was at the “quaint” Barbary Coast.  Not too long after that trip the “resort” was overhauled and is now the Cromwell.  While I have forgotten the performer, I do remember the experience.  It was obvious that the performer and cast were a little less rehearsed than your normal Vegas act.

The usual sleight of hand and card tricks were performed with no notable fanfare.  Then came the finale.  The exact details are clouded now, but I recall it involved an audience volunteer, her ring, and a couple of encapsulated boxes.  The act was to show the ring magically transported into the inner box, through the impossible to get through outer box (the Pledge).  There was a big to-do about passing the box around, where audience members could see just how “impossible” this was (the Turn).  After doing his hocus pocus, the boxes were opened, the lady got her ring back (the Prestige).

I knew Tom from the Legions and the dance community. He was such a sweet and easy-going man.. I have missed him and will continue to miss him.
My sympathy to Tom's family .  May memories and faith sustain you.
Blessings, Carolyn

Dear Tom, we had the great pleasure to have you here in Germany with us and enjoyed your company when you spent time of vacation 
and search for your family roots. We specially loved your always good mood, we still keep the rosaries you made and the wooden piece, where we can keep a bottle lying in. Also we appreciated it so much, that 15 years ago, our daughter Miriam was part of the Klapheke family and you made her an unforgettable journey in included to Sue and Mike's friendly care. You allowed her to call you grandpa and she was very proud about that. It was always great talking to you and feel your friendly respectful attitude towards your next. We are very sure that a good person like you will be at a better place now and keep an eye on those who you love you and you love. Fairwell Tom, see you............... Heike and Juergen Schreiber, Germany

OBITUARY

Thomas G Klapheke

November 9, 1932 – January 21, 2021

D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Lakeside Park

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