John Silas Kloehn

Dr. John S. Kloehn
Appleton, Wisconsin

Dr. John S. Kloehn, son of the late Dr. Silas J. Kloehn and Irma (Sherman) Kloehn, passed away at his home on Monday, October 14, 2002.

John was born February 25, 1930 in Appleton, WI. John graduated from Appleton West High School in 1948 and attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison where he belonged to the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. In 1954, he received his doctor of dentistry degree from the University of Illinois, College of Dentistry. He was elected to the University of Illinois Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, national honorary dental society. John was also a member of Phi Eta Sigma and Delta Sigma Delta, a professional fraternity. Upon graduation, John received the Howard Kubacki award for clinical excellence in dentistry, and the C. V. Mosby award. On June 26, 1954, he married Ann Louise Perschbacher.

John served as a dentist in the US Navy from 1954 to 1956 and was stationed in San Diego, CA. In 1958 he received his post graduate degree in orthodontics from the University of Illinois. John began his practice of orthodontics in the Irving Zuelke building with his father, Dr. Silas J. Kloehn. John retired from his Appleton Center building office on December 31, 1993.

During his professional career he was a member and past president of the Outagamie Dental Society, a member and past president of the Appleton Memorial Hospital Dental Staff, a life member of the American Dental Association, a fellow of the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists, a member of the Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA), a member of the American Association of Dentists, a member of the Midwestern Society of Orthodontists and the Wisconsin State Orthodontic Society.

He was dedicated to continuing research and education in orthodontics as reflected in his active role within the Edward H. Angle Society. John became an affiliate of the Midwest Component of the Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontia in 1962; was elected to regular membership in 1964, and later became president. In November 1998 after 17 years of service John retired as business manager of The Angle Orthodontist, the research periodical published by the Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontia. He had succeeded his father who also held the same position for 17 years while he was an assistant business manager.

As a devoted father John always put his family first and foremost. He is respected by his family as an exceptional husband and a loving father. He received great enjoyment from his grandchildren and was fondly called “Pa”. As a community leader, John was involved with the Boy Scouts of America, United Way, the Rotary Club of Appleton, and Bank One – Valley Fair (director). He also was a member of Faith Lutheran Church and North Shore Golf Club. Throughout his life he was interested in running, golf, tennis, hunting and fishing. He also appreciated reading, the outdoors and listening to jazz music. His life was centered around devotion to his family, profession and community.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Ann Kloehn; a son William John (Yvonne) Kloehn, London, England; a daughter Julie Ann (James) Lapkoff, Vero Beach, FL; and his mother-in-law, Mrs. C.I. Perschbacher, Appleton, WI. He is further survived by four grandchildren, John Silas Kloehn, Jennifer Elizabeth Kloehn, Megan Aliza Lapkoff and Cory Evan Lapkoff; three brothers Thomas (Natalie) Kloehn, Richard (Barbara) Kloehn, and Don (Marty) Kloehn; one sister, Gretchen (Ralph) Berggren; two sister-in-laws, Gloria Perschbacher and Jean (Yuho) Fujio and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. S. J. Kloehn, his father-in-law, Dr. C. I. Perschbacher and a brother-in-law, John Perschbacher.

John enjoyed numerous friendships and the appreciation and gratitude of his patients and fellow colleagues. The Kloehn family offers its thanks to Dr. Jack Anderson, the Mayo Clinic, Theda Care at Home, and Home Instead.

Pastor Paul Brinkman will officiate in the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 21, 2002 in Faith Lutheran Church, 601 East Glendale Avenue, Appleton, WI. There will be no visitation. Interment will be in Highland Memorial Park, Appleton. Memorials have been established for the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region or the Tri-County Community Dental Clinic.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 North Superior Street
Appleton 920-739-1231
www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com