Eugene Marion Klaaren

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.

DEAR MARY,we just heard of Gene's passing our prayers go out to you and your family,GOD BLESS .ralph and Marge tacey.

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

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...

I am so sad to hear the news. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sending hugs.

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...

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.

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...

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.