Sunday, November 15, 2026
Joseph Martin Klagholz, age 79, of Marco Island, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on June 5, 2022.
Joe is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 35 years, Janet. Surviving him are his daughter, Kimberly and grandson, Evan of Greensboro, North Carolina. He is also survived by his twin brother, John and brothers, Leo and Thomas and sisters, Judith, Mary and Kathleen along with many nephews and nieces and their families. He is predeceased by his parents, Leo and Vermadell Klagholz, brother, James and sister, Lorraine.
Joe was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and grew up in Yeadon, Pennsylvania. His family moved to Cherry Hill (Delaware Township), New Jersey when he was 11. He proudly served in the Army Reserve. His career was spent in the Insurance Industry where he held positions including Independent Agent at Dunhour and Murphy Agency and President at Gallagher Associates, Inc. He was also Vice President and Underwriting Manager at Wheelways Insurance and Financial Services. The pinnacle of his career was forming Atlantic States Group, Inc. with Janet where they developed Insurance Programs along the coast of New Jersey in conjunction with the Underwriters at Lloyds of London. He and Janet worked side by side as the business grew until they retired and moved to Marco Island in 2004.
Joe was an accomplished musician and loved many years of playing with his band The Cavaliers. He felt his greatest personal accomplishment was obtaining his Private Pilot's License and enjoying many hours of time in the air. His life was also filled with years of riding Harley Davidson Motorcycles, boating on the waters in both New Jersey and Florida, woodworking and countless hours of working on Crossword puzzles.
Joe became an inspiration to many with his tireless and valiant battles with cancer over 22 years. During cancer treatments when asked how he was, his reply was always "Better than yesterday but not as good as tomorrow." His attitude along with the unsurpassed care from all the doctors, nurses and other medical professionals allowed Joe to live a full life all those years. He was always thankful for all they did for him. He would tell them with a smile, "I'm in pretty good shape for the shape I'm in."
Marco Island became home when he and Janet retired in 2004. He loved the warm sunny days and never looked back. Their days together were a continuation of all their years working together and they continued their lunches out every day. Their love and devotion to each other was evident to the very end. Joe's honesty, sense of humor and generosity will be missed by all who knew him.
A Celebration of Joe's life will be held on Wednesday, July 20th at Hodges-Josberger Funeral Home, 577 E. Elkcam Circle, Marco Island. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM with the service following at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider remembering Joe through a donation to hsnaples.org or Humane Society Naples, 370 Airport-Pulling Rd North, Naples, FL 34104.
