PILSEN-Klenda, Maj. Dean A. was killed in action September 17, 1965, over North Vietnam, while serving his country with the United States Air Force. His remains have been found and returned for burial. He was born August 20, 1940, the son of Albert and Pauline Klenda; they preceded him in death. He attended Marion High School and graduated from Kapaun High School with the class of 1958. In January of 1965, he was united in marriage to Kaye Young. He received his Bachelor's Degree from Kansas State University. He is survived by his sister, Deanna (Peters) Klenda of Wichita and Marion; his wife, Kaye Klenda Ekman of Panama, FL; nephews, Gavin Peters of Wichita, and Kyle Peters of Daphne, AL; a niece, Jillyn Schmidt (Tray) of Manhattan, KS; and 3 great-nephews. The Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 17, 2016, at St. John Nepomucene Church, Pilsen. Interment will Military Rites will be in the Pilsen Cemetery. Memorial Funds have been established for: Holy Family Parish; All American Beef Battalion; or the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia, in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, 205 Elm, Marion, KS 66861. Online Condolences may be left at: www.zeinerfuneralhomes.com

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

Published by Wichita Eagle on Sep. 14, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Dean Klenda

15 Entries

Jim POOLE

October 1, 2016

I am so glad your brother is finally home. We have shared much time in the past together, and given the peace that I received when my father was finally at home, I know we now share that same feeling.

I hope all is well with you, and if I could reach out and hug and kiss you, I would tell you that today is a day to be celebrated, you finally have an answer. I know it took you much longer than my family, 51 years verses 32.

I went to dinner tonight with a group of veterans, and we raised a toast to your brother being home.

I do miss you!

Bob Nelson

September 17, 2016

Major Klenda, Thank you for your service. Deanna, your long wait is over. My prayers are with you.

Leah Hartman

September 16, 2016

Thank you for your service Sir, and welcome home. May you finally be at peace back on home soil. Prayers with the family. -From a sister in arms

September 16, 2016

We were at the airport to welcome you home, you deserve a hero's welcome. Glad to have you back and thank you for your service. Rest peacefully now.

How you can show support

Notify Me

Get email updates whenever changes are made.

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

Corky & Tammy Flentie

September 16, 2016

Major Klenda. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. They have waited a long time for you to come home and you have. May you now rest in peace you are home. Thank you for your service, this country is grateful for your sacrifice.

Yvonne Johnson

September 15, 2016

Thank you, Major Klenda for your service and ultimate sacrifice for our country. Welcome home, rest in peace.

Sheila T. Mitchell

September 15, 2016

Major Klenda: Thank you for your service <3 Your loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers. Love in Christ, Sheila

September 15, 2016

Peace be with you all. Only 25 years old. Grateful for our military but so sad for the loss of our sons.

Shelly

September 15, 2016

Now you may rest in Peace. Welcome Home. Thank you for your service. Prayers to the family.

Harry Simpson

September 14, 2016

Rest Dean, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.

Thank you for your service to this nation.

Cassie Grissom

September 14, 2016

Thank you to Major Klenda. May his return bring some peace to his family.

Another Air Force Veteran

September 14, 2016

Thank you for your service to our country!

September 14, 2016

Thank you for your service. Welcome home.

September 14, 2016

My thoughts are "He's Home, peace to you Deanna and all your family.

Russell Casement

September 14, 2016

Thank you Major Klenda for the service you gave in exchange for you're life. You hold a special place in our hearts, despite having never known you, you'll never be forgotten. We owe you that. Thank you!

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results

Make a Donation
in Dean Klenda's name

Memorial Events
for Dean Klenda

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Yazel-Megli Funeral Homes - Marion

205 Elm Street, Marion, KS 66861

How to support Dean's loved ones

Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Maj. Dean A. Klenda

About

FUNERAL HOME

Dean Klenda Obituary

Memories and Condolences for Dean Klenda

How you can show support

Make a Donation in Dean Klenda's name

Memorial Events for Dean Klenda

How to support Dean's loved ones

Attending a Funeral: What to Know

Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

Poems of Mourning and Comfort

Resources to help you cope with loss

How to Cope With Grief

Estate Settlement Guide

How to Write an Obituary

Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Ways to honor Dean Klenda's life and legacy

Obituary Examples

How to Write an Obituary

Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Recent deaths in the news

Frank Gehry (1929–2025), architect who redefined global skylines

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa (1950–2025), Mortal Kombat star

Charles Shay (1924–2025), Army medic who saved lives on D-Day

Criscilla Anderson (1980–2025), Country Ever After star

More ways to support the family

Memories and Condolences
for Dean Klenda

Make a Donation
in Dean Klenda's name

Memorial Events
for Dean Klenda