Karl Daenzer Klemm

Karl Daenzer Klemm (December 5, 1880 – November 15, 1925) was an American businessman, military officer, and community leader. He was notable for his role as president of the Kansas City, Kaw Valley and Western Railroad and for his service as a brigadier general in the United States Officers' Reserve Corps. Klemm was also involved in various fraternal organizations and clubs.
==Early life==
Karl Daenzer Klemm was born in St. Louis on December 5, 1880 to Richard Klemm and Carrie Daenzer., then stepson of John Schroers of the St. Louis Times.St. Louis Globe-Democrat Sun, Sep 01, 1918 Page 3 He moved to Kansas City in 1912 and quickly became active in the local business and community sectors.
==Career and achievements==
===Business leadership===
Klemm served as general manager of the Heim electric interurban lineKansas City Journal Fri, Jul 13, 1917 Page 4, president of the "Kansas City, Kaw Valley & Western Railroad"Kansas City Journal Thu, Jun 01, 1916 Page 12
Additionally, he worked as an assistant secretary at the Commerce Trust Company, contributing to Kansas City's financial sector.
===Military service===
During World War I, Klemm enlisted as a private in Battery B, First Battalion of the Missouri Field Artillery. He rapidlyKansas City Journal Sun, Jul 15, 1917 Page 3 rose through the ranks to become a commanding as Colonel the 129th Field Artillery of the 35th DivisionColonel Karl D. Klemm and Lieutenant Colonel Arthur J. Elliot, 129th Field Artillery, 35th Division, United States Army, American Expeditionary Forces, World War I, the 106th Field Artillery Regiment (27 February 1919–8 April 1919)Kansas City Journal Sat, Mar 15, 1919,as Brig. General the 177th Field Artillery Brigade (6 January 1922–15 November 1925)U.S. Army Order of Battle 1919-1941. His service included leading troops in major battles such as the Argonne Offensive, the St. Mihiel Offensive, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. After the war, he was promoted to brigadier general in the United States Officers' Reserve Corps.
===Philanthropy and community involvement===
Klemm and his wife participated in various philantropic events involving Kansas City Association for the Blind,Kansas City Journal Fri, Aug 02, 1918 Page 4Kansas City Journal Sun, Nov 18, 1917 Page 14 the Animal Rescue League,Kansas City Journal Sun, Mar 15, 1914 Page 14 the red cross,St. Louis Post-Dispatch Fri, Aug 23, 1918 Page 3 churches,The Kansas City Times Wed, May 28, 1919 Page 5The Kansas City Times Wed, Aug 22, 1917 Page 3 and charity events.Kansas City Journal Thu, Feb 27, 1919 Page 11
Alongside other local private financiers he tried to attract the establishment of a Fokker airplane factory to Kansas City pledging a consistent sum of moneys. 
Although the factory was established in Detroit and their proposal to obtain a $500,000 bond issue for a municipal aviation field failed.
Wheeling Intelligencer "Failed in air plan; colonel ends life" - Nov. 16, 1925
==Affiliations and memberships==
He was affiliated with the Freemasonry, the 
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Distinct member of the Kansas City Polo Club, Kansas City Club, Kansas City Country ClubThe Kansas City Times Wed, Dec 23, 1914 Page 8, Army and Navy Club of both the New York and Washington D.C. branches.
==Personal life and death==
Klemm was married to Gertrude Heim Klemm, the daughter of Joseph J. Heim, a prominent Kansas City financier (president of the Heim Brothers Brewery and Electric Park, Kansas City). They lived at (214, then 520) East Armour Boulevard in Kansas City.
Klemm was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. His strong belief was expressed within the military ranks and during the recruitments, as he was quoted as saying "There is no place in the army today for men who do not read the Bible occasionally and who do not go to church".The Kansas City Times Mon, Sep 03, 1917 Page 5
In the weeks leading up to his death, Klemm suffered from poor health and was under the care of Dr. Samuel Ayres. He also experienced depression following the decision to locate the Fokker factory in Detroit instead of Kansas City. On November 15, 1925, Klemm died by suicideTheodore Marks Interview by James R. Fuchs - September 19, 1962
Truman Library in his private offices in Kansas City, using a .45 caliber army revolver. His body was discovered by a watchman and an elevator operator. No note was found to explain his actions.
His memorial is located in at Mount Washington Cemetery in Independence, Missouri.
==Legacy==
Karl D. Klemm is remembered for his leadership in both the military and business arenas. His involvement in various organizations and clubs, along with his role as a commanding officer to Harry S. Truman, adds historical significance to his legacy.
Category:1880 births
Category:1925 deaths
Category:American businesspeople
Category:Businesspeople from Kansas City, Missouri
Category:American Freemasons
Category:Fraternal Order of Eagles