Klaes

Terry “Big Papa” Louis Klaes, 63, of Slippery Rock, passed away surrounded by loving family at Butler Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

He was born in Erie on April 25, 1962, to Robert Camin Klaes and Annie Rhoda Hutchison Klaes.

Terry married Katherine “Kathy” L. Craig McCune on Nov. 2, 2019.

He retired from Harco, where he had continued to work part-time until 2016.

He was an avid Buffalo Bills fan, enjoyed Hot Wheels, building model cars, fishing, boating, four-wheeling in his Jeep and most importantly, spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Kathy, at home; two sons, Jonathan L. Klaes, of Erie, and Robert C. (Lindsay) Klaes, of Slippery Rock; brother, Gary (Patty) Klaes, of Erie; five grandchildren, Lilly, Axel, Brayden, Cameron and Abby; mother-in-law, Dorothy Craig, and sister-in-law, Debra Craig, both of Slippery Rock; and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and son, Timothy Klaes, on June 12, 2015.

KLAES — The family of Terry “Big Papa” Louis Klaes, who died Tuesday, April 14, 2026, will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 17, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at the funeral home.

Interment will be in Slippery Rock Cemetery.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.