John A. Klema, 96, passed away August 13, 2021, at Kenwood Plaza, St. John. He was born September 25, 1924, at Kanopolis, to John A. Klema, Sr. and Agnes (Stehno) Klema. He married Edna Janet Macek on July 26, 1949, in Wilson. She died February 10, 2020.

Coming to Great Bend from Ellsworth in 1959, John was a grocer and meat cutter.  He served in the United States Army during WWII as a surgical tech. After the Army he ran IGA grocery stores in Longford, Blackwolf and Ellsworth. He later worked for Marlette Homes, Rice Engineering, Elkan Manufacturing and Fuller Brush. After his retirement, he drove for Marmie Motors. He was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council #892, American Legion Post #180, V.F.W. Post #3111, and a Boy Scout leader. John enjoyed gardening, fishing, and tinkering. John was able to fix almost anything.  

Survivors include, two daughters, Judy Ochs and husband Frank, and Carol Wiesner and husband Kevin, all of Great Bend; a daughter in law, Verna Klema of Hoisington; a sister, Shirley Krug of S.C.; five grandchildren, Brandon Ochs (Melissa), Brett Ochs (Cindy), Blake Ochs (Shelby), Shelby Wiesner and Becky Milsap; and twelve great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Edna Klema; a son, Rick Klema; four brothers, Victor Klema, Rudy Klema, Richard Klema and Arthur Klema; and two sisters, Mildred Katzenmeier and Adeline Bartunek. 

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday, August 20, 2021 at Bryant Funeral Home, with Vigil and Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 21, 2021, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, with Father Prakash Kola, MSFS presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery with military honors conducted by U.S. Army Honor Guard and American Legion Riders Post 180. Memorials have been designated to Prince of Peace Parish or Kindred Hospice, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Aug. 15, 2021