Charles”Chuck”Klee spent almost a lifetime in the halls of Stivers High School. He was an outstanding student and athlete at Stivers participating in track, football and baseball. Following college at the American College of Physical Education in Chicago, he returned to Stivers in September 1921 and served as a teacher of physical education and geography for 44 years retiring in 1965.
Chuck was an excellent track athlete running the 100 and 200 yard dashes in record times and represented Stivers in the State Finals. He also went over 21 feet 4 inches in the broad jump and competed in the pole vault. Chuck played quarterback on the football team and led the 1917 team to an undefeated season, the first undefeated team in Stivers
history. Although small of stature, Chuck maintained excellent physical condition during his competitive years and throughout his life. He was always the outdoors man; swimming, fishing, canoeing, and hiking were regular activities during his life time.
Chuck served as coach during his early years of teaching at Stivers. His 1925 track team was District Champions and competed at the state level. Chuck was a long time high school and college football and basketball official. It should also be noted that his summers for many years were spent as Pool Manager at NCR’s Old River. Obviously throughout his many years as teacher, coach, and sports official, Chuck came to know many thousands of young men and women. What an impact he had on several generations of youth.
According to Athletic Director Robert”Pappy”Worst, “Chuck Klee was an affable, pleasant, and courteous gentleman, rich with many friends, and rich in the memories of sports and recreation”. Chuck died at the age of 84 (1898-1982), survived by 2 sons, Charles W. Klee, Jr., Stephen Klee and 3 grandchildren, Mary Ellen, Matthew, and Andrew Klee.