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Eugene Klaaren Obituary
Gene leaves his wife and partner of 54 years, Mary Decker Klaaren. He also leaves his children Jonathan Eugene, Kristen Jeanne, and Joshua Friend Klaaren; as well as his sisters, Mary Ann Andersen and Joy Ortiz; and his brother, Keith. Gene was grandfather to Joshua and Kelly's children, Josie and Nadine of Asheville, North Carolina; Kristen and Scott's children, Kai, Micah, and Hannah of Ashland, Virginia; and Jonathan and Pippa's children, Jessica and Rebecca of Johannesburg, South Africa. He was a special uncle to Joy's children Fitemi, Bentasi, Rikki, and Martina Forgwe and also to twelve more nieces and nephews through his and Mary's sisters and their spouses.
Gene was a graduate of Hope College, Emory University, Western Theological Seminary, and Harvard University.
He served as professor of theology and religious studies at Wesleyan University from 1968 to 2006 and was a member of South Congregational Church in Middletown, Connecticut.
A service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 23 at Third Reformed Church, 111 W. 13th St., Holland, where Gene's parents Marion and Cornelia Klaaren were members. www.langelandsterenberg.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Klaaren
Sponsored by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home.
Christian Wedemeyer
July 1, 2019
Sad to learn this news, rather late in the game. Gene was a gracious and generous teacher and colleague. I have been grateful to have known him. I miss him, but will always recall him fondly. My condolences to his family.
Ralph tacey
October 23, 2015
DEAR MARY,we just heard of Gene's passing our prayers go out to you and your family,GOD BLESS .ralph and Marge tacey.
Nancy Luberoff
January 24, 2016
I just learned of Gene's death from the Wesleyan Alumni Magazine. I feel compelled to let the Klaaren family know how important Gene was to me during my time at Wesleyan 1971-1975. I was a Religion major, and took all of Gene's classes. He inspired me to think clearly, feel deeply, and live truthfully. I never took the time to go back to Wesleyan to thank him, so I am thanking him now.
Gratefully,
Nancy Luberoff
Duncan Taylor
December 18, 2015
Dear Mary and family,
I was so saddened to learn of Gene's passing. I read the many notes of condolence on file here, and it was as if Gene came alive through them. I, too, remember his booming voice, his strong bass in the choir, his dry sense of humor, his strong body swimming in the cold Lake Michigan, the way he held my feet during the foot-washing drama on Maunday Thursday (he was a very good Jesus!), our conversations and his passion for Honda (and Acura) cars. Please know that, even now, we are sending up prayers for your comfort, peace, and grace, always grace.
With much sympathy,
Duncan Taylor (& Jeanne)
Claudia Ruf
November 19, 2015
I am so sad to hear the news. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sending hugs.
Juliet
November 12, 2015
Dear Professor Klaaren, This is Juliet, one of your favorite students (I think) who held you in high regard as her favorite professor. You helped rescue my faith after having a 'meltdown' my senior year of college and then redeeming the experience by writing my senior thesis with you. I recalled today smoking with you in your study and laughing about good and bad memories of growing up in very religious families. You became like a father to me during that time. I will always remember you with great affection. Best to you and yours. See you in the Great Beyond...I cannot wait to see you again. Yours, Juliet
jeff colvin
October 25, 2015
A big smile, a wave from the deck, a great conversation, a swim in the lake, seeing Gene with his family. I will miss him and think of him often... Mary you and your family are in my thoughts.
Uncle Gene and his grandniece, Mayana
Fitemi Forgwe
October 25, 2015
Paris, 23 October 2015
Dear Uncle Gene,
After seeing you this July at our family reunion, I never thought I would be reading your Obituary in October. My last memory of you was of you playing with your grandkids (all 6 of them!) and most of your grandnieces and grandnephews at Kee West cottage. And here I am today, stuck on the other side of the Atlantic, writing out these few lines for your funeral that I'm unable to attend.
I'm sorry that you had to go so soon.
I'm sorry for not being at Third Reformed Church today with the rest of the family.
I just wanted to let you know that I'm so grateful for all that you have done for our family. You have always been there for us. Like Grandma and Grandpa, you were a pillar for our mom in raising four kids on her own.
Uncle Gene, I'm sure that many family members and friends will share their stories today. I can only speak of my own experience by saying that you brought so much sunlight into my life
Thanks to you, I was able to discover South Africa and attend Jon & Pippa's wedding. One of my fondest memories was of you singing (a capella I believe) at the wedding service. That reminded me so much of Grandpa singing in Third church (although you were more on key than grandpa).
I also recall our ascent up Lion's Rump Mountain, just the two of us, followed by our walk on the beach near Cape Town.
Closer to home, I also remember the summers when you would come to repaint 91 East 15th, always in Grandpa's favorite colour scheme: cream and burgundy.
Or when you made it possible for Uncle Keith to visit us in Paris (or Place de Clichy as he would say) for the Retro-mobile show. So many priceless memories that you made possible.
It brings me great comfort to know that your life - as a father, grandfather, husband, brother, uncle, friend and teacher - touched us all.
It brings me even more comfort to know that you left this world having lived life to the fullest. And I truly hope that we - your friends and family - brought you as must joy as you brought to us.
On this note, I would like to finish by quoting Rosa Parks who said: Memories of our lives, of our works and our deeds will continue in others.
With love,
Fitemi
Jane and Greg Earl
October 24, 2015
We feel so lucky to have known Gene as part of our Lake Michigan neighborhood. Talking with him never failed to brighten the day, his smile was a ray of sunshine. A genuinely nice, caring person with a great sense of humor. Rest in peace, Gene, we'll miss you. Our sympathy to Mary and family.
Thea Gibson
October 23, 2015
Dear Mary,
It was always a pleasure to talk with you and Gene when you strolled to our end of Helena. Our street was blessed to have you both on it. He will be missed.
Franc Yarde
October 22, 2015
Dear Mary and Family,
Very sorry to hear of Genes passing, rejoice in the lord. I was always so happy when I spent time with Gene. He would always make me laugh and think. I always got a kick out of he and Keith when the three of us were together. I have great memories of Gene. God Bless.
Jil and Jim Cameron
October 22, 2015
Dear Mary and family, Jim and I are so sorry to hear of Gene's passing. You. Are all in our thoughts and prayers
Jil and Jim Cameron
Thea Racelis
October 22, 2015
The prayers and love of the South Church community will continue to surround you in your loss. Gene was such a beloved member of this community: all who knew him have fond stories to share and many who didn't still feel his presence in them. He will be sorely missed. May God's love and comfort surround you in your time of grief.
With love, Reverend Thea Racelis and the entire South Church family
October 22, 2015
Lingering memories of Gene
Swimming in Lake Michigan at K-West
Playfulness
Recognizing Beauty
Kindness
An August 9 Birthday
Capturing the moment by camera
Graciousness
An appreciation of style and design
A winsome smile and a hearty laugh
Paul Buth
Chic Broersma
October 21, 2015
Dear Mary and family,
Nancy and I are so sorry to learn of Gene's passing. I have fond memories of theological discussions with Gene. We commend you to the comfort only God can give and to the gospel only our Lord offers. I'm sure I speak as well for all the members of WTS class of 1963.
Chic and Nancy Broersma
October 21, 2015
On behalf of the South Church Care Team we sare deeply saddened by the death of this great man. Many of us fondly recall Gene's strong , booming voice in the choir and his presence in so much of the life of his beloved South Church. Middletown will not be the same without Gene but his legacy will carry on. We shall miss him very much.
Our sincerest sympathies to Rev. Mary and Jonathan, Kristen, and Joshua and their families. God bless you all,
The South Church Care Team
Bobbie Chapman
October 21, 2015
Mary, I was so sorry to hear about Gene. I always enjoyed speaking with him, hearing his perspective and engaging in discussion. I pray you are comforted by your memories and his love for you that never ends.
October 21, 2015
Mary - Joan Wenke told me about Gene's death. Sue and I are sincerely sorry to hear this. We recall several occasions at Harvard when we were both there. A trip to Tanglewood I recall because, there, the bassoon of the Boston Symphony totally messed up his solo in the last movement of Beethoven's 5th Symphony! I've often wondered who that was, and who the conductor was on that absolutely charming Sunday afternoon!
The little things one remembers!
Hope you are well Mary.
Our sorrows.
Sue and Doug Neckers
Emmanuelle RIAUX
October 21, 2015
Il m'est difficile de traduire ces mots tant mon émotion est grande, Scott ou John pourront peut être traduire. J'ai eu la chance d'être accueillis par Gene et Mary comme une fille adoptive française. J'ai passé des moments formidables au sein de la famille Klaaren qui m'ont construit pour la vie. Ces souvenirs restent à jamais dans mon cur ainsi que Gene pour son attention et générosité comme un second père. Je suis loin mais je pense à vous tous très fort et partage votre douleur. J'aimerai pouvoir te réconforter Mary et t'envoie tout mon amour de France. Toutes mes prières seront pour vous tous ce vendredi.
Je vous embrasse fort.
Jil Cameron
October 20, 2015
So sorry to hear of Gene's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Mary, his children, grandchildren, siblings, especially my good friend Joy Ortiz. God speed.
Mike & Kay Staszel
October 20, 2015
We lost a good one on Saturday. Our sincere sympathies go to Mary and the entire family.
David & Betsy Doezema
October 20, 2015
Gene was a wonderful man and a great neighbor. Always with a smile and an interesting story. He will truly be missed.
In loving memory of a wonderful person.
Katie & Cang Strachan/Nguyen
October 20, 2015
Our thoughts are with Klarren, Forgwe and Andersen families, as well as all who had the pleasure of knowing and loving Gene.
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