DeKalb Native Bryan Klatt Takes Helm of Elks Organization

A native of DeKalb, Illinois, has been appointed to the prestigious role of grand exalted ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the USA, a notable organization with a history spanning 157 years. On July 2, 2023, Bryan Robert Klatt officially assumed this significant position, nearly four decades after his initiation into the Elks.

Klatt, who graduated from DeKalb High School in 1977, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the organization over the coming year. Alongside his wife, Susan Klatt, the couple is committed to representing the Elks and their values. “We are humbled to be chosen for this role,” Susan remarked, adding, “Bryan has been an active member of the Elks for most of our 42-year marriage. He bleeds Elk purple.”

In his new role, Klatt aims to enhance fundraising efforts and increase membership to over 800,000 across the organization’s more than 1,700 lodges in the United States. “That comes from the efforts of our lodges,” he noted, emphasizing the collective strength of the Elks community.

To become a member of the Elks, individuals must meet specific criteria: they must be at least 21 years old, believe in God, be U.S. citizens, and possess good character, according to the organization’s official website. The Elks have a longstanding commitment to community service, actively supporting various causes, including assistance for veterans and providing scholarships for students.

Klatt’s dedication to the Elks is evident in his extensive background with the organization. For 17 years, he served as the grand secretary, a role that required him to commute daily from DeKalb to an office located just south of Wrigley Field in Chicago. Despite the demands of his job, Klatt never wavered in his affection for his hometown. He routinely woke up at 3:15 a.m. to navigate traffic and arrive at work by 6:00 a.m., yet he and his wife chose to remain in DeKalb, where they have established deep roots.

“I like the area, I like the city, I like that I was born here, grew up here, graduated from DeKalb High, graduated from Northern Illinois University, and just didn’t feel like we needed to leave,” Klatt explained. “I’d rather be able to come out here, sit on the patio at night and have a quiet cocktail or just think about things in the day. In Chicago, you don’t get that quiet.”

As Klatt steps into this new chapter as grand exalted ruler, his commitment to the Elks and his community remains unwavering, reflecting a deep sense of pride in both his personal and organizational affiliations.