Klapprich Family Tribute Video

Fellow Wayzata and Hockey Community Members,

We are launching an effort to create a statue honoring Coach Paul Klapprich at Klapprich Field — a lasting tribute to a man whose dedication, generosity, and love for hockey enriched thousands of lives and shaped generations of young players.

Contributions are Tax Deductible as a 501C3

See attached federal designation below.

Most of us know the magic of Klapprich Field: pickup hockey games where everyone was welcome, skating under the lights as snow fell, and a place where kids and families always felt safe and connected. That spirit exists because of Paul Klapprich.

What many people may not fully realize is the impact Coach Paul had on the young people he coached. He loved his players, and his players loved him. He taught us not only how to play hockey, but how to love the game itself.

Coach Paul cared deeply about every child. Each year during Squirt tryouts, he would become emotional reading the final roster because he knew some kids would leave disappointed. That compassion defined him.

He also had a gift for teaching young players in ways we could understand and remember forever. He didn’t simply say, “We need to backcheck.” He’d tell us, “I know it feels like the rink is tilted toward the offensive zone, but we need to hustle back the other way too.” We got it. I still remember hearing those words in 1971 on the visitor bench at Blake Arena.

More importantly, Paul taught us something far greater than hockey: he taught us to give. His generosity, humility, and care for others inspired hundreds of us, and those lessons continue to ripple through our lives today.

We want to thank him in a meaningful and permanent way.

Our goal is to commission and place a statue of Coach Paul at the entrance to Klapprich Field on the southwest corner along Highway 12, where he can continue welcoming players, families, and visitors for generations to come.

We estimate the total project cost to be between $75,000 and $100,000, and former players and community members are confident we can raise the funds needed to make this happen.

The City of Wayzata has approved the statue and its proposed location. Our only financial request to the City is assistance with site preparation and pedestal construction costs.

This is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate one of the true pillars of our community — a man who gave so much to so many.

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Thank you for your support.

Ed Turnquist

Looking for more information, or an easy way to share the story with others?

Watch the Klapprich Family Tribute Video

Questions or comments may be directed to:

Tom Shaver (Wayzata)

Kurt Klapprich (Wayzata)

Ed Turnquist (Portland)

Contributions are Tax Deductible as a 501C3

See attached federal designation below.

Department of the Treasury

Internal Revenue Service

Tax Exempt and Government Entities P.O. Box 2508

Cincinnati, OH 45201

COACH KLAPPRICH TRIBUTE FUND 100 LAKE STREET WEST SUITE 200

WAYZATA, MN 55391

Dear Applicant:

Date: 06/23/2026

Employer ID number: 42-2552312

Person to contact:

Name: Tesfaye Gebi ID number: 1514028

Accounting period ending: December 31

Form 990-PF required: Yes

Effective date of exemption: May 13, 2026

Addendum applies: No

We're pleased to tell you we determined you're exempt from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3). Donors can deduct contributions they make to you under IRC Section 170. You're also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under Section 2055, 2106, or 2522. This letter could help resolve questions on your exempt status. Please keep it for your records.

Organizations exempt under IRC Section 501(c)(3) are further classified as either public charities or private foundations. We determined you're a private foundation within the meaning of Section 509(a).

We further determined you qualify as a private operating foundation under IRC Section 4942(j)(3). We'll treat you as a private operating foundation as long as you continue to meet the requirements of Section 4942(j)(3).

You're required to file Form 990-PF, Return of Private Foundation or Section 4947(a)(1) Trust Treated as Private Foundation, annually, whether or not you have income or activity during the year. If you don't file a required return or notice for three consecutive years, your exempt status will be automatically revoked.

If we indicated at the top of this letter that an addendum applies, the enclosed addendum is an integral part of this letter.

For important information about your responsibilities as a tax-exempt organization, go to www.irs.gov/charities. Enter "4221-PF" in the search bar to view Publication 4221-PF, Compliance Guide for 501(c)(3) Private Foundations, which describes your recordkeeping, reporting, and disclosure requirements.

Sincerely,

Stephen A. Martin

Director, Exempt Organizations

Rulings and Agreements