Michael Joseph Klem

Michael Joseph Klem

About

Michael Klem Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home - Oak Lawn on Feb. 17, 2026.
Michael J. Klem (age 83) loving husband of (late) Alice (O'Connell). Retired Chicago Fire Dept after 33 years (Engineer of Engine 26 from 1983 thru 2003).

Father of Joseph (Chris Goudsmit) of Northfield, IL and Patrick (Jill Kennedy) of Denver, Colorado.

Brother of Rosemarie of Savannah, Georgia.

Proud grandfather of Michael, Alice, Marie, and Nick Klem.

Uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Former resident of the Burnside neighborhood and longtime resident of the Ashburn/West Lawn neighborhood.

Proud member of Local 2 (CFD) and Brotherhood of the Barrel.

Proud member of Local 16 (typographical union) and part-time printer at Sun-Times (1963 thru 2003).

Proud member of South-Side Gaelic Fire Brigade.

Proud member of the Blue Condor's Social Club.

Proud member of Ukrainian American Veterans #32 and American Legion #943.

Former U.S. Army 101st Airborne Paratrooper (1961 - 1963). Former (retired) U.S. Air Force Reserve (M/Sgt) (1979 - 2003).

Former member of South-Side Runners Club.

Five time runner of Chicago Marathon. Recent player of betting on the horses #4.

Funeral Monday, February 23rd, 9:00 am from Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home, 5570 W. 95th St. in Oak Lawn to St. Bede the Venerable Church in Chicago for Mass at 10:00 am.

Inurnment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation Sunday, February 22nd from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

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

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