Eugene Lee “Gene” Klem, 84, Bretzville

Eugene Lee “Gene” Klem, 84, of Bretzville, passed away at 3:40 a.m. on Monday, July 19, 2021, at home surrounded by family.

Gene was born in Kyana, Indiana, on April 3, 1937, to Joseph A. and Rosa Anna (Welp) Klem.  

He married Mary Ann (Voegerl) Klem on October 4, 1958, in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Jasper, Indiana.  She preceded him in death on April 18, 2008.

Gene, along with his wife Mary Ann, operated the Santa Claus American Legion from 1959-1960. They then owned Palm Gardens Restaurant in Bretzville from 1966-1975. Gene retired from IMI Concrete in Huntingburg, where he had been a truck driver for several years. After retirement, he mowed for Cedar Crest Intermediate School.

He was a member of Divine Mercy Parish – St. Anthony Catholic Church, St. Anthony Conservation Club, the St. Anthony Community Center, and a charter member of the St. Anthony Fire Department.

He enjoyed woodworking and spending time with family and friends.

She is survived by four daughters, Rosey (Daniel) Patmore of Newburgh, Dots (Chuck) Sotzing of Bretzville, Lugene (Marvin) Merkel of Huntingburg, and Catherine (Randy) Hopf of St. Anthony; one son, Thomas E. (Bonnie) Klem of Jasper; 15 grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 14 step-great-grandchildren; one step great-great-granddaughter; one brother, Alvin (Vernita) Klem of St. Anthony; two sisters-in-law, Rita Klem of St. Anthony and Dolores Klem of Ireland.

Preceding him in death besides his wife are one grandson, Benjamin Patmore; two sisters, Henrietta Ernst and Lucille Hopster; and seven brothers, Oscar, Clarence, Vic, Arnie, Walter, Art, and Ray Klem. 

A Mass of Christian Burial for Eugene L. Klem will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 22, 2021, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in St. Anthony, Indiana, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. The Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association District #18 will conduct a memorial service at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

A visitation will be held from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper, Indiana, and one hour before services at the church on Thursday from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.  

Memorial contributions may be made to Divine Mercy Parish, St. Anthony Fire Department, or to a favorite charity.  

Condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com.