Roger F. Klicman

Roger F. Klicman, 84, passed away August 31, 2023. Born October 13, 1938 in Cleveland, he lived most of his life in Tallmadge.

Roger retired in 2004 from Diebold Inc. and was a long-time member of Tallmadge Lutheran Church where he served as an usher for many years. He was an avid reader and member of The Friends of the Library. Roger was inducted into the South High Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999 for his outstanding achievements in football.  His success as a running back took him to Bowling Green State University, where he was a member of the 1959 National Championship Football team. He never missed an opportunity to attend a reunion with his Bowling Green teammates, relive the days playing football, and tell stories whether they remembered the facts or not.  Roger was instrumental in the early development of Weaver School and Workshop, serving their board when the school was first built. This was just the beginning of his lifetime of service to others.

Roger was simply beloved by so many, bringing a hardy laugh and a warm smile to everyone he met.  He made it a point to make someone smile every day and succeeded in bringing joy and laughter to friends and family throughout his life. He seldom missed his weekly poker game at the Tallmadge Community Center where he enjoyed poker, cookies and of course – much laughter.  Roger loved life, and especially loved the time he spent with his grandchildren.  For many years, he was an ever-present fan at baseball, basketball and football games, soccer and volleyball matches, and track & field meets.  His presence was known not only to his grandchildren, but many of their friends and families alike.  He lived out his love for his grandchildren with enthusiasm, passion, and an unwavering commitment.  Their greatest fan and steadfast supporter, Grandpa Roger was a hero in the truest sense of the word.  As well, his love for others and natural ability to connect with all those around him was further evident in the way he fully embraced the family of his wife Pam and became a loving part of their lives as well.  He leaves behind a legacy of devotion and impact that will influence his grandchildren and many others in their lives ahead.  Never to be forgotten and forever to be missed, all were blessed to have known and loved him.  

He was preceded in death by his wife, Chipper; parents, Frederick and Anna Klicman; brother, Charles Klicman.  Roger is survived by his wife, Pam; sons, Douglas (Jill), Dennis, David; daughter, Pidge (Kevin) Kaut; sister-in-law, Lorraine Klicman; grandchildren, Eddie Klicman, Joshua Kaut, Jacob Klicman, Caleb Kaut, Logan Klicman, Kylie Kaut; Pam’s children, Krystine Klemm, Diane Eegan, Beverly Erickson, grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be 4:00 until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (on the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at Tallmadge Lutheran Church, 759 East Ave, Tallmadge with Pastor Andy Alberts officiating.

Interment will be at Tallmadge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Special Olympics, Weaver Sports Booster Club, 2300 Call Rd. Stow, Ohio 44224, Attn. Cisco Moore.

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