Glen R. Klotz

Glen Robert Klotz, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, a gifted musician, and a dedicated teacher, was born on March 18,1941 in Madison, Wisconsin. He died on August 12, 2026 after a debilitating stroke five days earlier. He graduated from Prairie du Sac High School in 1959. He then went on to the University of Wisconsin - Madison to attain his Bachelor of Music degree in 1966 and his Master of Music degree in 1970.

Glen married Carolyn (Lang) in 1963. Together, they shared more than six decades of marriage and raised two daughters, Shary and Jenni.

Glen spent his teaching career as a choir and general music teacher in the Oak Creek Public Schools. An extraordinarily gifted vocalist and musician, he had a profound influence on countless students. He was an exacting teacher, who expected hard work, preparation, and perfect diction. His standards were high - not because he wanted things done his way, but because he knew his students were capable of more. And time and again, they rose to the occasion.

Glen was incredibly intelligent, meticulous, and efficient. He was a grammarian in the truest sense of the word, and had an appreciation for doing things correctly. His fastidious nature could even be seen in something as ordinary as shoveling the driveway without a flake of snow being left behind or edging the lawn with scissors! Despite his precise nature and high standards, Glen was kind and gentle. He had a quiet way of expecting the best from people, while also believing in their ability to achieve it.

Music remained a defining part of Glen’s life. He was an active member of the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus for many years, where he continued to share his exceptional voice and love of music. Through both his teaching and his singing, he touched the lives of countless people and left a lasting musical legacy.

Glen was also an avid Wisconsin Badgers fan, faithfully following both Badger football and basketball. He was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable bridge player as well, often spending weekends at the bridge table, while the kids found ways to entertain themselves.

Glen is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his daughters, Shary (Troy) Birdsong of Onalaska, Wisconsin, and Jenni Klotz (Brian Bone) of Apple Valley, Minnesota; and his four grandsons, Garrick (Caity) Birdsong, Connor Birdsong, Larsen Birdsong, and Isaac Bone.

His influence lives on in the many students he taught, the musicians with whom he sang, and the family who knew him best. While his voice is now quiet, the music he gave to the world will continue to be heard. 

Services will be announced soon.