Dr. John M. Klemen, 70, Indianapolis
Dr. John M. Klemen, 70, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully at Majestic Care of Carmel on Saturday, December 28th, at 10:55 p.m., surrounded by his family.
He was born the second of four children to Ed and Mary (Kazacoff) Klemen on March 23, 1954.
His grandparents immigrated from both Macedonia and Slovenia. They settled in Haughville on the West Side of Indianapolis, where John was raised to understand that life was all about faith, family, and hard work.
After he graduated from Northwest High School in 1972, John attended Marian College and earned his Master’s Degree in Chemistry in 1976. He then went on to attend the Indiana University School of Dentistry, where he met the love of his life, Debbie, and graduated as a Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1980. Following a one year general practice residency at the VA Hospital, he established his family dental practice in Broad Ripple in 1981, where he would carry out his love of dentistry for 40 years.
In his spare time between fixing teeth, John pursued his many passions of art, cooking, fishing, boating, skiing, golfing, racing, and spending time with his family. He was an accomplished and well-connected musician who played electric bass guitar for many popular bands in the Indianapolis and surrounding area including Carl Storie, Henry Lee Summer, The Jackson Street Orchestra, and many others.
His favorite place to relax was the back deck of his home, which he designed specifically to admire the local wildlife, scenery, and peacefulness the White River offered him.
He especially loved fishing off the pier in Panama City Beach, Florida with his sons each year, and enjoyed it even more when the fish would actually bite. John loved his family and friends above all else and had the unique ability to befriend everyone he came in contact with. He was a dedicated husband, a one-of-a-kind father, a successful dentist, a legendary cook, and an incredible artist and musician who was loved and respected by so many.
Dr. John M. Klemen is survived by his wife, Debbie Klemen; his three sons, Joseph (Taylor) Klemen, Jacob Klemen, and Daniel Klemen; and his three brothers, Ed (PJ) Klemen Sr, Don (Julie) Klemen, and Bob (Cindy) Klemen.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Ed and Mary Klemen; his niece, Rebecca Klemen; and his brother-in-law, Dr. Philip J. Eversman.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at St. Stephen’s B.E.O. Church (1435 Medford Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46222). Funeral service to take place from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with burial to follow at Crown Hill Cemetery (700 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46208).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the St. Stephen’s Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Church (1435 Medford Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46222), and the White River Yacht Club Foundation (860 E. 86th St., Ste. 5 Indianapolis, IN 46240)
Memories may be shared online under John’s profile at www.stevensmortuary.net.
