Albert Lee Klotz Jr.

Albert Lee Klotz, Jr., although he did not see his 100th birthday, was able to start his 100th year, passing from this life into the next life on January 22, 2022. His life was full of love and laughter. His enjoyment of life was expressed in the twinkle of his blue eyes and his charming smile which were seen by all. He was a good father, a good husband and a man of tremendous faith. With fondness and love, we say good-bye.

Mr. Klotz was born and raised in New Orleans, spending almost his entire life in the New Orleans and the Metairie area. His parents were Albert Lee Klotz, Sr. and Mary Agnes Dowd, born third of six children. In elementary school, he attended McDonough 11 and St. Joseph Catholic School. He was an altar server and in the choir. He went to Jesuit High School and later graduated from Warren Easton. History was his favorite subject. He paid his own tuition to attend Jesuit, $9 a month. To pay for his schooling, Al delivered over one hundred papers a day and served early morning Mass for which he was paid twenty-five cents.

Al Klotz was working as a mechanic’s helper at a gas station when he decided to enlist in the Marines in 1942. He served in World War II from January 1942 until August 1945 in the 2nd Marine Division as a Private First Class. Mr. Klotz was stationed in New Zealand, Hawaii, and the Gilbert Islands. He drove a jeep, checked in military hardware from supply ships, performed salvage and reclamation duties. For example, one of his jobs was to clean and repackage confiscated Japanese rifles for later shipment for the Philippine war effort.

After the war, on the GI bill, Al went to Southeastern Louisiana Industrial Institute, now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.

After graduating from college, he married Angela Fasola. A true New Orleans story in that they met on Mardi Gras Day. Al was driving a tractor pulling a float for one of the parades. Angela just happened to be a rider on that float.

Al’s first job was teaching high school industrial arts. Shortly thereafter, he went to work for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms as a Special Agent. He retired from the Bureau in 1976. After retirement from the federal government, Al worked as a travel agent and a real estate agent, returning to school to take real estate classes so that he could be a licensed agent.

Mr. Klotz was a charter member of St. Philip Neri Parish, serving as an usher for over 60 years. He also volunteered his services as needed by the parish. For his continuous service to his church parish, the Archdiocese of New Orleans in 2019, granted Mr. Klotz the Order of St. Louis Medallion.

Al loved to cook. His specialties were gumbos and etouffees. He loved to travel. With his wife and sometimes children he traveled across the United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia.

Mr. Klotz loved to work with his hands. It was said that he could fix anything. He worked on all aspects of car repair. He completed home additions and renovations; performing carpentry, electrical, plumbing, etc. He was happy to share these talents with his family and friends. He always demanded the highest standards of himself with the work never being done until it was done right.

Al was a member of St. Philip Neri Men’s Club, the Louisiana Peace Officers Association; National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association; the World War II Museum, having contributed personal war memorabilia to the museum; the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Association of Retirees; and Veterans of Foreign Wars, among others.

Albert Klotz is survived by his two children, Karen Klotz Clampitt and Albert Lee Klotz III, and his two grandchildren; Colleen Lean Clampitt (Edward Thomas Garcia) and Wesley Kyle Clampitt; his brother, William Patrick Klotz, Sr. (Marilyn) along with many nieces and nephews. All will miss him dearly. He is preceded in death by his wife, Angela Fasola Klotz, his daughter, Mary Bernadette Klotz, and his siblings; Mary Virginia Shackford, Thomas Clifford Klotz, Calvin Bernard Klotz, Sr., and Rita Alice Moisant.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at Greenwood Funeral Home, 5200 Canal Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70124 and on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at 10:00 am at St. Philip Neri Church, 6500 Kawanee Avenue, Metairie, Louisiana, with a Funeral Mass to follow at 11:30 am. Interment will be in All Saints Mausoleum. The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online, at www.greenwoodfh.com.

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