Fred William Klooster

Fred William Klooster passed away on July 20, 2018, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on July 30, 1924 to Bill and Kate Klooster at their home at 303 Ridge Road in Munster, Indiana, where he grew up with his three sisters: Jeannette VanderNoord/Bult (deceased), Anne Dykstra (deceased) and Rose Zigterman of South Holland, IL.

Fred attended Munster Christian School and Chicago Christian High School. When the United States entered World War II, he enlisted in the Army and missed attending his high school graduation ceremony.

Fred served 3 years in the U.S. Army 75th Infantry Division – European Theater. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and earned 3 battle stars.  When the war was over, he studied for a semester at the American University of Biarritz, France. 

After returning stateside, he studied engineering at Purdue Technical Institute Calumet. He then began a long career as an Engineer at Inland Steel Company. 

Fred met Guelda Norene Nieboer at a Messiah rehearsal at Munster Christian Reformed Church, and they married on June 3, 1949. They had four children: Dale (Nina) Klooster, Jeneane (Don) Blom, the late Kathleen Klooster-Tigchelaar, and Leslie (Peter) Jongsma. He loved his three grandchildren: Dietrick Klooster, Katherine Jongsma, and Ryan Jongsma.

Fred built his own home for his family in Highland, serving as general contractor. He did much of the work himself – all sheeting, outdoor painting, insulation, rock lath, and landscaping. 

Fred was an active member of the New Life Christian Reformed Church of Highland (formerly 2nd CRC), and served on the Council as Deacon, Elder, and Cadet Counselor. He served as a board member on both the Highland Christian School Board and the Illiana Christian High School Board. He served as Treasurer of the Inland Steel Management Association. 

Fred was an active member of the 75th Division Veterans Association and took great pleasure in participating in annual reunions. He was truly honored to visit the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C. on the Honor Flight. 

He was an avid gardener, growing green beans, peppers, and the best tomatoes in Northwest Indiana. During the last four years at Hartsfield Village, he enjoyed making new acquaintances, renewing old friendships, and performing in the Chorus with Guelda.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are appreciated to Highland Christian School and Illiana Christian High School. 

Visitation will be on Tuesday, July 24, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at New Life Christian Reformed Church, 3010 Ridge Rd, Highland, IN 46322.

Funeral service will be on Wednesday, July 25, at 10:00 a.m. at New Life Christian Reformed Church. Burial at Hope Cemetery. 

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper-Kevin Nordyke by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Fred William Klooster, please visit our floral store.