Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Nick Klaske was shot and killed after responding to a burglary call at a local gas station. When he arrived he surprised three suspects in the act of robbery and engaged the suspects in a foot pursuit, during which one of the suspects suddenly turned and opened fire with a .25 caliber handgun, striking Patrolman Klaske in the abdomen. Patrolman Klaske succumbed to his wounds two days later. One suspect, 17, was arrested at the scene by Fon du Lac police. The other two, 24 and 25, were captured near Sun Prairie in Dane County a short time later after a 70 mile high speed chase. The older suspect admitted that he shot Patrolman Klaske. He threw the revolver he used out of the car window just before he was apprehended. He was convicted of his murder and burglary and sentenced to life plus 20 years in prison. On January 15, 1973, he applied for parole. The result is unknown. The other suspects were convicted of third degree murder and several burglaries and sentenced to 35 years in prison.
Survivors
Patrolman Klaske had served with the agency for 11 years and was survived by his expectant wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-WI-6408F17B- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Klaske gave the Fond du Lac Police Department 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Fond du Lac community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Klaske.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Nick A. Klaske served in the U.S. Army (1943â1945) before joining law enforcement.
Patrolman Nick A. Klaske is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In WI, 159 of 317 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50.2% of this state's fallen. That is 50.2 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Fond du Lac Police Department, 3 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 75% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Nick A. Klaske's cause is highlighted.
How Nick A. Klaske Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Nick A. Klaske is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Nick A. Klaske was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Military Service
Nick A. Klaske served in the U.S. Army (1943–1945) before joining law enforcement.
Visit Nick A. Klaske’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Fond du Lac Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
