Ralph Klodzinski

Ralph Klodzinski entered eternal rest on December 28, 2024, as a result of complications of septic shock (not his cancer). He was born on January 30, 1955, in Houston, Texas, to his parents who preceded him in death, Martha Rose and Teofil Albert Klodzinski. He was born, baptized, and raised in the Assumption Catholic Church-Houston, where he was an altar boy. He was a loving son, husband, brother, father, grandpa, and uncle. He dearly loved his family.

He is survived by his love of his life, his wife, Susan (“Susie”) Klodzinski, who insisted on a diagnosis seven weeks into their marriage. She was his devoted advocate, caregiver, and gave him support and encouragement throughout his treatments for his cancer that he was diagnosed with over 26 years ago. Ralph was a very tough-fighter and determined to outlive his cancer. As a result of his care, determination, and love of life, he outlived others by decades. Estimates of fewer than 100 living cases and fewer than 100 postmortem cases of his cancer have been reported worldwide. 

He was surrounded by his wife, Susie, and daughter, Lyndi, at the time of his passing. We believe his mother, Martha, called upon him, while the rest of his family was attending her funeral. 

Ralph’s survivors gave him several nicknames. He was known to his wife, Susie, as “Monkey” or “Love;” “Brother” to his surviving brother, Dennis Klodzinski and wife Debbie, and surviving sisters, Susan Habegger, Donna Holak and husband Daniel; “My Dad” to his surviving daughter, Lyndi Bryson; and “Paw Paw” to his surviving grandson, Braxton Wilson. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, including greats. We will all miss him. 

Ralph was a talented golfer who had 3 hole-in-ones on professional courses. He enjoyed spending quality time, including traveling with and cooking for his wife, Susie, while he was able to do so. He was known for his renowned indoor and outdoor culinary skills. He enjoyed dove hunting, fishing, golfing, and beekeeping with his brother, Dennis. He cherished spending time cooking for the family during holidays and barbequing for the family throughout the year. He liked tracking imaginary monkeys with his Grandson, Braxton, thus his nickname.

 Although there have been many healthcare providers that were instrumental to his care and too many to list, special thanks goes to his endocrinologist, Dr. Vivian O. Rodriguez (Houston, TX), and Dr. Richard R.P. Warner, Founder and Medical Director Emeritus of the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation and Retired Director of the Center for Carcinoid and Neuroendocrine Tumors at Mt. Sinai Hospital (NY, NY).

 In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made, in memory of Ralph Klodzinski, to The Carcinoid Cancer Foundation. Donations can be made on their website at www.carcinoid.org by clicking the donate button at the top of the page.