Richard (Dick) Joseph Kleff, age 83 of Grand Rapids, MI died after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease on December 17, 2022. He was preceded in death by his son, Joey Kleff, infant son, Richard Joseph Kleff Jr.; parents, Joe and Helen Kleff; sister, Ann Hoon; in-laws, Frank and Helen Wisniewski; as well as many close friends and relatives. Dick is survived by his wife of almost 57 years, Dolores (Dee) Kleff; children, Paul (Denise) Kleff, John (Rose) Kleff, Suzy (Dan) Herrera; grandchildren, Sydney, Danny, Leo, Elsa; great-grandson, Brycen; as well as sisters and brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Dick graduated from Grand Rapids Catholic Central class of 1956, and Ferris State University with a degree in Pharmacy in 1962. He worked for various pharmacies and owned his own pharmacy for several years. Dick was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus Council #8117 and led the development of the Mercy Respite Center which provided short term care to special needs children and their families. He was a member at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church where he regularly volunteered his time. He enjoyed playing cards, fishing, and was quite the handyman, always puttering around the house. After retiring he and Dee enjoyed traveling together. The family would like to thank the staff of Provision Living Center of Forest Hills and Gentiva Hospice for the care they provided. Visitation will take place Tuesday, December 27, 2022, from 6-8pm at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. All are welcome to join the family in praying the rosary at 8pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30am, Wednesday December 28, 2022, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1449 Wilcox Park Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. Memorial contributions may be made to a Hospice organization of your choice or Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Michigan, https://www.alz.org/gmc 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601.
3 Responses
Dear Paul ,
May his memory always be a blessing to you.
Tender mercies to you, yours and all.
Paul, John, Suzy & Family,
On behalf of me & the Boice’s, please accept our heartfelt condolences and sympathy for your loss.
Personally, Papa Kleff was one of the few adults I actually behaved properly around whenever I was in his company. I worried he’d box my ears if I got too much out of line!
Seriously though, I admired his discipline, his no nonsense directness and even the subtle humour he dispensed in his unique, understated way.
I’ll also be forever grateful to him for raising a pair of great Brothers, who have become my own Brothers throughout the years!
Dear Dee and family,
Over the years, I enjoyed my many conversations with Dick. I enjoyed his sense of humor, his kind heart, and his wonderful smile.
I know the past few years have been difficult for all of you, but now he is at peace.
May the healing presence of Christ console you during this time of sorrow and may you find comfort in the many memories you created together over the years.