Financial relief for the family of FF Donald E. Klotz Jr. after a difficult loss
Support for the family of Donald E. Klotz Jr.
A 501(c)(3) Tax-Deductible Campaign
FF Donald E. Klotz Jr. devoted more than three decades of his life to serving others. Beginning in 1995, he volunteered as a firefighter with the Waterloo, Concord, and Jackson Township departments in Auburn, Indiana. In addition to his fire service, he also assisted the DeKalb County Coroner’s Office with transport duties, continuing his commitment to helping his community in every way he could. On March 12, Don suffered a stroke and underwent emergency surgery to place a drain in his brain to relieve bleeding. He was placed on a ventilator and feeding tube, and although he initially showed signs of improvement, complications followed. He was eventually taken off the ventilator and moved out of the ICU, but his condition remained fragile.
A few days later, Don became unresponsive and was rushed for a CT scan, where he went into cardiac arrest. After more than six minutes, CPR restored his heartbeat, but he never regained consciousness. He suffered significant brain damage from a second stroke and bleeding, and his condition continued to decline after March 27. On March 31, Don was honored with a moving tribute walk at the hospital, attended by multiple fire departments, members of the coroner’s office, friends, family, medical staff, and local officials. The overwhelming turnout reflected the deep impact he had on those around him. Later that evening, he was taken to the operating room, where, in accordance with his wishes as an organ donor, the ventilator was removed, and he passed peacefully at 11:15 p.m. Now, Don’s fiancee and family need support more than ever; not only for funeral costs, but to fare well in day-to-day life. Let’s get them what they need.
