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Bruce Klonowski Obituary
Bruce W. Klonowski, or Mr. K as the kids knew him, passed away on Monday March 9, 2026, in Goshen, Indiana. He was born on May 10, 1947, in La Porte, Indiana, to Zebe and Clara (Moffitt) Klonowski.
He married Jane Griffin on June 15, 1974, in Elkhart, Indiana. She survives with a son Jay (Steph) Klonowski; a daughter, Katie (Cory) Kurtz; as well as his beloved grandchildren, Riley and Graham Klonowski and Ava and Isaac Kurtz. Nothing brought him more joy than when they gathered at his house on the lake in the summertime.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Cheryle.
Bruce graduated from La Porte High School. He graduated from Ball State University with a Master's Degree in Education, where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He came to Elkhart in 1969. Bruce taught at Pinewood and Samual Strong Elementary Schools; became an Assistant Principal at Roosevelt School for 10 years and a Principal at Hawthorne Elementary for 27 years. Bruce was a member of Kiwanis, Elkhart Community Schools Principal Association, Indiana Association of School Principals, Indiana High School Athletic Association, and St. Joe Valley Officials Association. He was a coach for Osolo Little League and worked at Elkhart Parks and Recreation and was a Deacon at First Presbyterian Church in Elkhart. Bruce was also an avid Notre Dame fan!
Bruce was an IHSAA Basketball official for 46 years, during which time he officiated five women's state finals and two men's state finals. He was the 2002-03 outstanding girls official for Indiana and was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in New Castle, Indiana in 2005.
Friends may visit with the family at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral service in his honor will be on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church 200 E. Beardsley Ave., Elkhart, Indiana. where friends may visit for one hour before the service. Private family burial will take place.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the IHSAA Foundation at www.ihsaa.org, the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame at One Hall of Fame Court New Castle, IN 47362, or Ryan's Place 1566 Regent Street, Goshen, IN 46526 or www.ryansplace.org. Online condolences at www.stemm lawsonpeterson.com.
The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the Goshen Hospital doctors and nurses who so lovingly cared for Bruce.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Stemm Lawson Peterson Funeral Home and Cremation Center - Elkhart1531 Cobblestone Boulevard, Elkhart, IN 46514
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Klonowski
13 Entries
Tonya Bailey
Yesterday
He was a great principal at Roosevelt. When the state came to take my sister and I at school he stood in the way until he knew we would be safe. They threaten to take him to jail, he didn't care as long as we were safe and they promised to have us back at school the next day. They did just that. What a great man he was. That was in the early 80's and I have never forgotten that. RIP to a wonderful man!!
Dan Wegiel
March 17, 2026
Bruce was a childhood friend, many great memories playing basketball behind their house on Park Street. Also played a lot of baseball together. He was one of the nicest kids in our neighborhood who grew up and made his mark. May he rest in peace.
Ennis. Thompson
March 14, 2026
Bruce was one great friend for a couple of years before we moved AZ. He helped me volunteer coach a 23-1 championship team at NorhSide. Wish I could have spent more time with him , as we were always on the page. Don´t really get better friends than him. He and Shane were at our first meal back to Indiana at Essen den House in Middlebury. What´s lose for society and essentially kids,
Cecelia D Miller
March 14, 2026
He was the assistant principal at Roosevelt school when I went there. He was a very nice man and I'm glad I knew him
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Frank and Jackie Hughes
March 14, 2026
We are so very sorry to hear of Bruce´s passing. Sad news. He was a legendary in the Elkhart school system and with the so many kids whose lives he touched. He was truly committed to their well being. Most of all he was a great human being.
Our sincere condolences go out to his entire family and his many, many friends.
Paula Dunning
March 13, 2026
Mr. K was a great person to teach children what it meant to be their best,how to be kind towards each other. Both of my son's(David,Elijah) were fortunate to have him in there lives. Thank you for your kindness.
Praying for you and your family. The Black family.
Ben Pfaff
March 12, 2026
RIP Coach K
You influenced so many over the years and I am thankful to be one of your students at Pinewood. My deepest condolences to the family.
Rich Eppers
March 12, 2026
Bruce will be greatly missed. I can only describe Bruce as 'One Of A Kind'. He was fun to be around and you never knew what he was going to say. I coached with Bruce and he was a great person. He was the ultimate teacher, coach and referee. He always had that twinkle in his eye. Rest in peace Bruce!!
Connie Fulmer
March 12, 2026
Jane and family, my deepest sympathy to you.
Stephanie A Emmons
March 12, 2026
Mr. Klonowski was not only my elementary principal at Hawthorne, but also my children's principal. He was one of the most caring, gentle people I know, with all the children whose lives he touched through the years. He will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go to his family...
Bob Frick
March 11, 2026
Great man and referee! Inspiring person from many years ago.
Rita Peat
March 11, 2026
Bruce was an excellent leader when I began my teaching career. He was firm, fair and then friendly with students. I am very thankful to have had him for a friend. Sending love to Jane, Jay, and Katie.
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