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John Klehr Obituary

Klehr, John Thomas

Binghamton: 70, passed away on Tuesday March 18, 2014 at home after enduring several years of health challenges and disability. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Irene Klehr, his brother, Robert Klehr, and a newborn son, Jeffrey. He is survived by his wife, Candace; daughter, Kristen; sister, Virginia McAuley; sister-in-law, MaryAnn Klehr; his nieces and nephews: Lori (Tony), Susan, Bob (Terry) Kathy, Tom, Karen (Doug), Ted (Karen); their children: Domenique, Anthony, Steven, Alexandra, Emma, Audrey, Conner, Hope, Faith, and Aiden, and special cousins Ruth Klehr, and Bert and Bobby Klehr. He was deeply grateful for the frequent visits and conversations with his dear friend, Paul Everett. It made a difference. The love and nurturing poured out by Ogden Hillcrest UMC friends provided strength, blessing, and testimony of God's love. John's neighbor, Carol Harrison and his mother-in-law, Brenda Balch, were generous with time, compassion, and helping in many ways. John valued education and was constantly learning and sharing. He earned a Bachelor's and two Master's degrees from SUNY Oneonta and Colorado State University in Physics and Atmospheric Science which he applied in teaching before working in simulation for Singer-Link Corporation. John was an accomplished and talented musician on tenor banjo, guitar, mountain and hammered dulcimers, and other stringed instruments. His knowledge and memory of lyrics and compositions was expansive; his sense of humor and wit, and the ability to remember and create jokes was his trademark. The walls of his home echo with the ring of music and laughter of many music get-togethers. He greatly missed these the last four years, but was grateful for his friends coming together recently to share an evening of music and friendship. John never missed an opportunity to share his adoration and pride of his daughter, Kristen. She was the light of his life. Our family thanks Dr. Jonathan Harris and Dr. R. A. Ramanujan for many years of devoted care. Most recently the United Health Services Home Health Care nurses, therapists, and aides provided support and encouragement. Calling hour is scheduled on Saturday March 22, 2014 for 9 AM, followed by a service at 10 AM at the Barber Memorial Home, Inc. 428 Main Street Johnson City. The Reverend Joyce Allen will officiate. Burial will be in Vestal Hills Memorial Park, Vestal, NY. In whatever way John inspired and enriched your life, please consider passing it on.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Press & Sun-Bulletin from Mar. 20 to Mar. 22, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for John Klehr

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John Bielenberg

April 23, 2014

I have fond memories from science class at Vestal Jr. High in the 70's. We called John "Cosmo" for some reason that I can't remember. He was a kind and gentle man.

Glenn HasBrouck

April 22, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole Klehr family. I have fond memories of my time at Ogden and John's part in those memories. Ge will be missed!

Doug and Sandy Gifford

April 11, 2014

So sorry to hear of your loss. John and I were great friends as we studied at Colorado State in 1975 - 1977. We always loved to have John to our home for dinner because he loved to entertain us with stories, songs, and lots of banjo tunes! Our two little girls were always excited when we told them "Banjo John" would be coming for supper!

Many times over the years we would recall those happy hours we shared with John! You're in our prayers in the coming days.

Andrew Measday

April 2, 2014

Candace and Kristin,

I am writing this message from one of the Link Simulation & Training buildings here in Arlington, TX.

I started my career at the Singer-Link, Silver Spring, MD facility and, when that was closed down in the mid-1990s, I moved up to Binghamton, NY. I first met John when we worked together on a project at Newport, RI.

John was a remarkable person. I always thought of him as somewhat of a "Renaissance Man" - gifted in multiple areas of life and work. Although not a musician, I enjoyed talking music with him - especially the "hammered dulcimer".

That friendship continued for several years back in Binghamton and then after the move to Arlington, TX.

I am very sorry that John has passed on and I am sure that your grief must be great.

However, when I think of John, the words "A life well lived" come to mind. God gave him an extra serving of "Grace" and humor - and I enjoyed being one of many recipients of those qualities from him.

May God be with you during this time and please know that John is still remembered down here in Arlington, TX.

March 28, 2014

My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Mrs. Klehr and Kristen. I am so sorry for your loss.

-Kali Fisher

March 25, 2014

Candace and Kristen,
What a wonderful musical gathering your family made. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Randy and Shanna Messing

Megan Harrick

March 23, 2014

I am sorry for your loss, Kristen and Mrs. Klehr.

Mary Frances Perricone

March 22, 2014

I did not know John but after reading this beautifully written obituary, I know I have missed meeting an exceptional human being. I am a friend of Tommy's and they seem to resemble each other in more ways than appearances. Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of John, who has certainly left a beauty mark on this earth. Sincerely, MF

Joel and Athena Smales

March 21, 2014

Candace and Kristen,
So sorry to hear of this. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. You are near and dear to our hearts.

March 21, 2014

Candace and Kristen Our love and prayers are with you now as they have been for a long time. I will miss the beautiful sounds he made on his dulcimer and I will miss that sneaky little smile he possessed when he got or told a joke and we hadn't gotten it yet. when I get home from Florida, we will have more time to hang out and chat. Know we love you both and are sad right now for you also. Love Linda judd

Karen and Chris Roma

March 21, 2014

Mrs. Klehr and Kristen,
We are very very sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Larry, DD, and Joseph Koch

March 20, 2014

Candice and Kristen,
We are so sorry for your loss. It was always a pleasures seeing your family on the corner to give a toot and a wave. God Bless You!

albee

March 20, 2014

Candace and Kristen, Please accept our condolences and prayers. We have fond memories of our former wonderful neighbors. In the days ahead, listen carefully; we're sure you'll hear the wafting of John's mystical dulcimer tunes as he plays before God.

Affectionately,
Jerry and Mary Jo Albee

March 20, 2014

John and Dolores Grace

March 20, 2014

John and Dolores Grace

March 20, 2014

John and Dolores Grace

March 20, 2014

John and Dolores Grace

March 20, 2014

John and Dolores Grace

March 20, 2014

John and Dolores Grace

March 20, 2014

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Kelly Cavitt

March 20, 2014

Very sorry to hear about John. I had the great fortune to work with him at Singer-Link many years ago. John was an excellent teacher - he taught me more about thunderstorms and windshear in five minutes than I could glean from any book. I thoroughly enjoyed his keen sense of humour. I know he will be missed.

With deepest sympathy,

Jessica Brill Ortiz

March 20, 2014

I have clear memories of John at the Inn on the Cape, laughing, making music and joking with family and friends. I can picture his sweet smile and I remember his quiet yet smart humor that wove its way into conversations. Candace and Kristen, please know that I am thinking of you.

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results

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