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​​​​​Bryan Robert Klatt was born in DeKalb, Illinois on December 5 to Robert A. Klatt and Donnalee (Bettner) Klatt. He is the oldest of two children, with a younger brother, Mark A. Klatt (Layne). Bryan was raised in DeKalb and graduated from DeKalb High School in 1977.

 

Bryan graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts. During his time in college, he was a five-year student equipment manager for the football team, which earned him a half-ride scholarship for all five years.

 

After college, Bryan worked with his father and brother at the former Kallal’s Sheet Metal Inc. in his hometown. He was with the company for more than 25 years, first as an employee, then as a co-owner with his brother. Bryan is a past chairman of the City of DeKalb HVAC Mechanical board and a former member of the DeKalb Public Library board. He is a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in DeKalb and a Third Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 717, as well as a member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge No. 586.

 

During Bryan’s senior year of high school, he was introduced to the former Susan Louise Ekstrom, to whom he has been married since October 1983. They have three children: Gregory Robert, Andrew Jordan, and Lucas Richard (BreeAnne).

 

When his boys attended and played sports at DeKalb High School, Bryan found a way to watch the action and save the school a little money. He volunteered to be the public address announcer, and stayed in the role for more than a quarter century. Bryan’s voice could be heard at the school’s football games, boys’ and girls’ basketball games, wrestling meets, baseball and softball games, and other events. He has also assisted Northern Illinois by announcing baseball, softball, gymnastics, football, and women’s basketball. Bryan is a regular volunteer in his community in various school, civic, and athletic activities.

 

Bryan was initiated into DeKalb, Illinois Lodge No. 765 on November 12, 1985. He served on numerous committees before becoming Exalted Ruler in 1989-1990 and Lodge Secretary from 1998 to 2009. He is an Honorary Life Member and continues to serve the Lodge when needed to fulfill unexpired Officer terms or committees.

 

For the Illinois Elks Association, Bryan served as North Central District Vice President (1992- 1993); State Chaplain (1993-1994); State Americanism Committee Chairman (1993- 1994); Third (1994-1995), Second (1995-1996), and First (1996 1997) State Vice President; State President (1997-1998); Chairman of Advisory Committee (2000-2001); Chairman of Convention Committee (2002-2004); Co Chair of Leading Knight/Officer Training Seminars (1998-2008); Co-Chair of the LouGER Committee for then Endorsed Candidate for Grand Exalted Ruler F. Louis Sulsberger (2006-2008); and District Leader/Sponsor for the Northwest District No. 2680 since 1999.

 

Bryan has served the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America as District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler (1994-1995); as a member (2001-2008) and the Chairman (2005-2007) of the Grand Lodge Membership Committee; and as the Grand Secretary from July 2008 through July 2025. Bryan and Susan are humbled, thankful, and honored to be chosen as the ambassadors to represent our great Order as the Grand Exalted Ruler and First Lady of Elkdom. They are excited to travel to and visit Elks communities throughout America promoting their theme:

 

“Be the Difference”