September 6, 1983 – September 30, 2026

Kevin Klockner, beloved husband, devoted father, son, brother, friend, and so much more, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026, at the age of 43, surrounded by the people he loved most.

Kevin’s greatest accomplishment was never a job, a title, or anything he could put on a résumé. It was the life he built with his family.

Kevin met his wife, Erika, on their very first day of college at UW-Whitewater. What began 24 years ago became a lifetime of love, laughter, travel adventures and family. Together, they celebrated 17 years of marriage and built a beautiful family with their three children, Everett, Elyse and Emmett.

Kevin was the kind of dad who showed up. He was there to coach games, drive them to activities, go on Scout camping trips, win Dance Dad competitions, and be present for all the little moments that become the memories a family carries forever. He loved watching his children grow into the people they were becoming, and he was endlessly proud of each of them.

He was also a husband who loved deeply and faithfully. Through sickness and health, in the easy seasons and the impossibly hard ones, Kevin and Erika faced life together. Their love was not defined by the last chapter of his life, but by all the years that came before it—the years filled with inside jokes, family trips, kids’ activities, celebrations, challenges, and countless everyday moments that made their life together theirs.

Kevin and Erika set a goal of visiting all 63 National Parks together as a family of five before their children moved out. They made it to 40 parks, creating infinite memories and adventures along the way.

Kevin was active, adventurous, and always ready for the next adventure. He loved hiking, the Pittsburgh Steelers, spending time outdoors, traveling with his family, and being wherever the action was. He could always be counted on for a good laugh and was quick to offer a helping hand. He was the kind of person who made others feel comfortable simply being themselves.

When Kevin was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2026, his family’s world changed overnight. But even through months of hospitalizations, procedures, treatments, setbacks, and uncertainty, Kevin continued to fight. He endured more than anyone should ever have to endure, while still finding ways to love his family, make memories, and be a dad and husband.

His illness may have taken away his strength and changed what his days looked like, but it never changed who Kevin was.

Kevin will be remembered for his strength, his humor, his generous heart, and the love he had for his family. He leaves behind a family who will forever carry pieces of him with them — in the stories they tell, the places they visit, the adventures they take, and in the way they love one another.

He is survived by his wife, Erika; his children, Everett, Elyse and Emmett; his mother, Bonnie Klockner; his grandmother, Caroline Winters; his brothers, Benjamin (Kathleen) Klockner and Ryan (Jessica) Klockner; and many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his father, Mark Klockner.

Until we meet again, Kevin. You were — and always will be — the love of our lives.

The family would like to thank Kevin’s exceptional care teams at Froedtert Hospital and Zilber Family hospice, as well as his employer, Stella and Chewy’s.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 8, from 12–3 p.m. at Wanaki Golf Club.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the family memorial fund would be greatly appreciated to support Erika and the children’s future. Donations can be made via Venmo (@ERIKA-KLOCKNER) or in person at the service.

Additionally, contributions to support the family can be made through Kevin’s SupportNow page:  The Klocker Family