Kenneth Joseph Klees

Kenneth J. “Kenny” Klees, Jr., 73, of Dowagiac, passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2020, in Mesa, AZ. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, January 13, 2020, at 11AM, at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac, with Pastor David Schmidt officiating. Burial will follow at Mission Hills Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, January 12, 2020, from 4PM until 6PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lymphoma Research Foundation. Those wishing to leave a condolence online may do so at www.clarkch.com. Kenny was born on December 28, 1946, to Kenneth & Janette (Rotzien) Klees Sr. in Niles. He graduated from Dowagiac High School in class of 1965. On May 27, 1972, Kenny married the love of his life Shirley Johnson at the First Christian Church in Dowagiac. Kenny worked as a truck driver for many different logistic companies for more than 35 years. Kenny was an avid fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed cheering on the Detroit Lions. Kenny had a passion for guns and showed his support through being a lifetime member of the NRA. He also was a member of the local Moose Lodge 933 in Dowagiac. Most of all, Kenny loved to spend his time with his family. Kenny is survived by his wife of 47 years, Shirley Klees of Dowagiac; children, Gina (Bob) Rokos of Lawrence, Jodi Tidey of Dowagiac, Jill Checkley of Dowagiac and Kenneth “Robbie” (Sabrina Lane) Klees of South Bend; grandchildren, Karlie, Kole, Taylor, Joey, Cody, Jacob, Masen, McKenzie, Emilee, Nicole, Matthew and Nathan; eleven great-grandchildren; brother Jimmie (Joni) Klees of Dowagiac; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Kenny was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth & Janette Sr.; sister Marianne Oldham; great-grandchild Ahnna Klees; and granddaughter-in law Siera Klees.