Rev. Mr. Kenneth Albert Klear

Rev. Mr. Kenneth Albert Klear, 84

   Rev. Mr. Kenneth Albert Klear slipped the binds of his earthly life on the morning of January 21, 2018 and passed into the new life that he spent many years planning for and so richly deserved.

   Kenny had two great loves, first was the family he began when he married Mary (Van Poppel), on August 19, 1956, and which they together nurtured and guided for over 61 years.  Kenny and Mary’s family include seven children and their spouses – Thomas (Donna) Klear of Miller City, Anthony (Kaylon) Klear of New Bavaria, Rose Ann (Edwin Silka, Jr.) Haselman of Findlay, James Klear (deceased), Diane (Bradley) Stover of Defiance, Annette (Edward) Garza of Stafford, Va., and Maryann (Randal) Okuley of Sylvania, who gave them 23 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren.  In service to his great love for his family, Kenny treated and bound countless physical and emotional wounds, and attended countless school and sporting events. (Go Miller City Wildcats, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Detroit Tigers!). In short, Kenny was always there for and with his family, whenever and in whatever role they needed him.  

   Kenny’s other great love was the Catholic church, which he served for over 40 years as a member of the second class of deacons ordained in the Catholic diocese of Toledo.  During his ministry, Kenny officiated and attended to countless Baptisms, First Communions, Weddings, Confirmations, deaths and funerals in the parishes of Sacred Heart in New Bavaria, St. Joseph's in North Creek, St. John’s in Continental, and St. Mary’s in Holgate. His love for the Catholic church and her people was complete, and formed the foundation of his deep faith and willing discipleship to the teachings of Jesus Christ, especially to His call that we should love and care for our neighbors as we love and care for ourselves.

   Kenny spent 25 years as an insurance agent for Western & Southern Life Insurance Company, where like in all his other endeavors, he served his many customers in more than just his official role.  Often, Kenny was the person they turned to for life advice and counsel, and his monthly visits to collect premiums were always more than just an exchange of currency, but were also a monthly update on family matters both large and small.  

   Kenny also proudly and honorably served his country during the Korean War, and was a member of the New Bavaria chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Continental chapter of the American Legion, and the Catholic War Veterans.

   To sum up, by whatever means you chose to measure a father, a minister, a soldier, Kenny was an unparalleled success and set standards for each that will ensure he is never forgotten. 

   If you are one of the many people that he touched, please come join his family and his sister: Mary Snyder of Ottawa, sisters-in-law: Juanita Klear of New Bavaria and Mary Ann Klear of Ottawa to help us celebrate his extraordinary life with a  Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, New Bavaria at 10:30 a.m.  on Thursday, January 25, 2018 with Monsignor Marvin Borger officiating.  Visitation will be from noon to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and 9:00 a.m. until time of service Thursday also at the church.  There will be a scripture service and K of C Rosary at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday at the church.

  Following the Mass,  Kenny will be taken to lie in his eternal rest where he will join his son, James, parents, Helen and Martin Klear, sisters,  Rita (Leo) Gerschutz and Angela (Alfonse) Schroeder, brothers, Paul (Mary Lucille), Norbert and Joe, and grandchildren,  Andrea Haselman and Phillip Klear in the church cemetery where there will be military graveside rites by the New Bavaria VFW and the Continental American Legion.

   Memorial donations may be given to Putnam County Home Health and Hospice or Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Arrangements under the directions of LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa.   Condolences may be expressed at: www.lovefuneralhome.com