Kenneth Klos

Ken Klos, 56, of St. Joseph, died suddenly, Sunday evening, July 20th, very unexpectedly to his parents, Henry & Margaret Klos & the rest of his family. Ken was born on May 18, 1952, the 2nd of 6 children. His siblings include older brother Don, sisters Mary, Janet, Nancy & Laura, & numerous nieces & nephews. Ken was such a unique spirit that it is a challenge to capture him in words. A gifted Artist, Musician, & innovative Entrepreneur, he had the subtle ability to reach into the hearts of anyone who knew him. He had a great love for all living creatures & would go out of his way to protect them. Graduating from St. Joseph High School in 1970, Ken won the award of “Artist of Tomorrow”, along with earning his varsity letter in Tennis. After earning his degree at Albion College, he followed his dream & achieved another degree in Fine Arts from the prestigious Art Center College of Design, in Pasadena, CA. After returning to St. Joseph, Ken developed a successful landscape & welding business. He began building an underground home. Ken continued honing his art through occasional local shows & sharing his music; he also had exceptional ability on classical guitar. Although he excelled in these creative areas, the most important was the impact he had on those around him. Ken was known as the ‘Magical Uncle” to his many nieces & nephews. He will always be remembered for the famous waffles he made & the entertaining stories he wove into whatever he was doing. They will sorely miss the magic man who could make a mini-bike from a snow blower, & always had time for them. Ken extended this gift, not only to family, but to his customers who appreciated his integrity & reliability. He was also committed to a group of kids who were more likely to reject his efforts. Ken was a volunteer Art Teacher for 25 years at the Berrien Springs Juvenile Detention Center, working with the most at risk. He was accepted not only because of his abilities in art & design, but also for his unique, calm manner. He listened & treated all with respect, without judgment. This is who Ken Klos was-his compassion, wit & dry sense of humor quietly poured out through his dependability in his business, talents in art & guitar, & his desire to give back to his family & community. Ken was an active member of the Berrien Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, where he also will be missed. The Memorial Service will be held at the Starks & Menchinger Funeral Home, on Monday, August 4, 2008, from 6:30 to 7:30pm, with light refreshments served afterward .Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the service, from 5:30-6:30pm Those wishing to send a condolences online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Because of Ken’s life-long love & compassion for animals, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his name to the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan, PO Box 305, St. Joseph, MI 49085/ www.humanesocietyswm.org