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BORN
1939
DIED
2025
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Benedict Klenda Obituary
November 8, 1939 - September 6, 2025
Wichita, Kansas - Benedict "Ben" Martin Klenda, 85, of Wichita, passed away September 6, 2025. Born in Hillsboro, KS, to Martin and Magdalen Klenda, Ben attended St. John's Catholic School in Pilsen, Kansas and St. Procopius Academy and College in Lisle, Illinois. After teaching for one year in Illinois, he returned to Kansas to help on the family farm.
In 1965, he married Mary Lou Frazier, and together they shared 60 years of marriage. Ben devoted his career to education, teaching mathematics at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School and later at Wichita Southeast High School for 25 years. A passionate sports fan, he coached youth baseball, officiated youth sports, and was deeply involved in his Catholic faith at St. Francis of Assisi Parish.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou; children Kristine (Carl) Davis, Sean Klenda, and Kameron (Christoph) Bausch; grandchildren Drew Elizabeth (fiancé Kyler Womack), Trey, Jakob, Amelia, Aubrey, and Jordan; five brothers; three sisters; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers.
Rosary will be at 10:00 a.m. on Sept. 19, 2025; Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m., both at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Wichita. Graveside service at 3:00 p.m. at St. John Nepomucene Cemetery, Pilsen. Memorials to St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church or St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Services by Downing & Lahey Mortuary – West Chapel. Share tributes online at: www.dlwichita.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Benedict Klenda
Sponsored by Wichita Eagle.
Verna Wommack
September 22, 2025
I am sorry to hear the passing of Mr. Klenda. He was my Algebra teacher at Southeast High School in the early 90s and even though algebra isn't my strongest suit, he did give me the love for crunching numbers which I still enjoy doing to this day. Sending light and love to his family and friends.
Tom Lassley
September 19, 2025
Mary Lou and family, So sorry to hear of Ben's passing. I met Ben officiating basketball. I always enjoyed every night we were working. Or I would see him watching Sean play baseball. Sending thoughts and prayers to the family
Kevin Leiker
September 18, 2025
I am sorry for your loss and hope that memories of him will help carry you through this difficult time. Ben was a good man.
"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." -Nelson Mandela
Alan Hobson
September 17, 2025
Ben was quite a guy. A wonderful teacher & a really good friend. He will be sorely missed by his wonderful family & many friends.
Millie Jamis
September 15, 2025
Mary Lou, I am so sorry for your loss of your husband Ben. Time will dull the pain and you will always have good memories.
Russ Fox
September 13, 2025
Always will remember when you said " no worries you can still make it up in Summer School". Made me knuckle down
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Memorial Events
for Benedict Klenda
Sep
19
Rosary
10:00 a.m.
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
861 N. Socora, Wichita, KS 67212
Sep
19
Funeral Mass
10:30 a.m.
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
861 N. Socora, Wichita, KS 67212
Sep
19
Graveside service
3:00 p.m.
St. John Nepomucene Catholic Cemetery
275th St., Pilsen, KS 66861
Funeral services provided by:
Downing & Lahey Mortuaries & Crematory - West Wichita10515 W. Maple, Wichita, KS 67209
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