Tom Klaver of Clarion died June 24, 2025. He was the son of Gary and Jerilynn Klaver, born April 12, 1971, in Wheat Ridge Colorado and later moved with his family to Plano, TX, Tulsa, OK and Jewell, IA. There he attended South Hamilton Schools and in high school he participated in band and sports. He was an outstanding high school musician and was given a full scholarship to the University of Iowa. While there he was a member of the University of Iowa marching band, pep bands, symphony band, orchestra and the Old Gold Singers. A college highlight was marching in 1991 Rose Bowl parade and the Bowl game.
After graduating with honors from the University of Iowa he accepted the position as the high school band instructor in Mt Vernon, Iowa.
In 1997 he enlisted in the Navy and was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Training Center as a musician. He was a soloist and member of the Ceremonial band, several small groups, and was the bass and rhythm guitarist in the Navy rock band Horizon.
Tom missed teaching and after his enlistment ended, he became the high school band director in Denison, Iowa. He also taught at CAL, South Hamilton and Clarion. All of his bands received a Division I rating at the State Music contest and many of his students were selected for the All-State Band.
Tom spent the last 10 years of his teaching career as the Junior High School band director in Clarion. He was a kind and caring teacher who had a special heart for the “Charlie Browns” of the world.
His hobbies were playing in the Karl King Band, the Fort Dodge Area Symphony, golfing, bird feeding and flower gardening. He was an avid sports fan of the University of Iowa, Chicago Bears and Chicago White Sox.
Tom loved and was loved by his family, friends and students.
He is survived by his mother Jerilynn Klaver; brother and best friend Jay (Julie) Klaver and their children Hayden, Kylie, and Thomas; Uncle Jim (Sonjia) Michaelson.
He was preceded by his father Gary, grandparents Ben and Kathryn Klaver, Jerry and Lois Michaelson; Aunt and Uncle Gwen and Jerry Farnham and cousins.
Tom’s family is thankful for the support from the Clarion community throughout his illness.
An open house visitation will be held at the Clarion Congregational United Church of Christ, 121 3rd Ave NW, Clarion, IA 50525 on July 13, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.
Cards and notes with memories of Tom would be appreciated by his family and memorials will be given to his church. These may be directed to the family or Adams Celebration of Life at 25631 Co Hwy D35, Iowa Falls, IA 50126. With honor, Adams Celebration of life is serving the family.