Leonard James Klausing

Leonard was known by family and friends as having a warm heart for others, a great sense of humor and enjoyed being surrounded by loved ones. He lived to be of service to others and as a devout Catholic and gentle spirit he asked for nothing in return. The family has many stories they would eagerly share of Leonard helping neighbors, strangers, and loved ones.

Leonard married Diane Ball (deceased December 12, 1984) on March 26, 1956, in Brighton, Michigan. Leonard and Diane resided in Webberville, Michigan, most of their married life. Leonard is survived by their children; Annette (Don) Griswold, Patricia (Don) Headley, Wayne (Julie) Klausing, Jamie Klausing, Laureen (Chris) Nelson, and Darryl (Jamie) Klausing and their grandchildren; Danielle (Alan) Berger, Sarah (Derrek) Brockway, Tylor (Dan) Schutz, Allison (Raleigh) Adams, Joshua (Krislyn) Headley, Kara (Tucker) Fahlen, Kadison (Payton) Mills, Kalyssa (Juan) Ramirez, Landon Klausing, and Kiersta Klausing and also their ten great grandchildren.

Leonard remarried on May 30, 1992, to Terry Kenton, of Jackson, Michigan, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Williamston, Michigan. Leonard lovingly embraced Terry’s daughters Kristy Kenton, Lisa (Mike) Fritz, and Michelle (Aron) Koszegi and Terry’s grandchildren; Travis (Jessica) Kenton, Riley Kenton, Veronica (Kyle) Alger, Risten Koszegi, Kelsey Fritz, and Valen Koszegi, and her six great grandchildren. Together Leonard and Terry shared a total of 16 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Leonard was preceded in death by his sisters MaryAnn Klausing, Janice (Mike) Klanecky, and Phyllis (Mike) Brophy, brother-in-law Thomas Trombley and sister-in-law Janet Clevenger. Leonard has a surviving brother Robert Klausing, brothers-in-law Tim Trombley and Dave (Laura) Trombley and sister-in-law Gail (Al) Smith.

Leonard served in the armed forces 1956-58 where he operated army tanks. Following his service in the army he made his career driving semi-trucks for the Teamster Union for over forty years. Leonard retired from Teamsters in 2000 with an impeccable driving record which he maintained throughout his life.

In retirement Leonard fulfilled a lifelong dream to live on a small fishing lake in Weidman, Michigan. One of his greatest joys was for family to visit, to spend time fishing together, and share fresh fish on the grill – blue gill in particular!

In 2012 Leonard and Terry moved from Weidman to Jackson, where they resided for the past 12 years. The family extends their sincere appreciation to Our Family Friend, LCC, a home care partner for providing compassionate in-home care for Leonard the last year of his life.

Leonard passed peacefully surrounded by love and devotion from the beautiful family he created following 15 days of compassionate care by the Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice nurses.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, June 25, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Williamston, with Father Chas Canoy, (of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Jackson) officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Rowley Road, Williamston, following the Mass. Luncheon celebrating Leonard's life will be held following the internment at Brookshire Inn, 205 W Church St, Williamston. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Williamston, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

A visitation will also be held Monday, June 24, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 621 S. Jefferson St. Mason, Michigan. Rosary will begin at 6:30 p.m. during the visitation.

In lieu of gifts please consider planting a tree(s) in memory of Leonard. To do so visit Sympathy Store at https://store.helloflowers.com/store/best-sellers/memorial-trees or perform a selfless act of service for a neighbor, stranger, or loved one in Leonard’s honor as he so often did these things for others.

In loving memory of Leonard James Klausing a man of Faith, Family, and Fatherhood that extended well beyond his immediate family leaving a legacy of service, kindness, and generosity, and a footprint that is undeniably big and will continue to expand through his selfless love and simple Christ like example of humility.