Robert W. Klem

Bob Klem of Richfield Springs, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2023, in Cooperstown, NY, after a short illness.
Bob was born on November 21, 1934, in Cooperstown, New York, to the late Robert and Mary Robinson Klem of Richfield Springs. Bob was a lifelong resident of the village, where he graduated from Richfield Springs High School. After high school, Bob attended Morrisville College. In 1954, Bob enlisted in the US Army 82nd Airborne Division stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC and Ft. Campbell, KY, until his honorable discharge in 1956. He was united in a blessed marriage of 64 years with Joan C. Kingsbury on October 3, 1959, in Moors, NY. Bob started his career with The General Crush Stone Company in 1956. He had a very long and rewarding career in the stone business, retiring after 40 years in 1996, as VP of Regional Operations East.
Bob was involved with a few community organizations, such as The Masons for 64 years, The Church of Christ Uniting, 6th & 7th Lake Association, and The Canadarago Snowtoppers.
Bob enjoyed spending time at his camp in Inlet, NY. Where he loved spending time talking and laughing with his dearest neighbors and friends from the area. He also found pleasure in the beauty of this region, where he was able to enjoy spending time pulling Steve and his friends waterskiing on the lake. Bob was also an avid snowmobiler and enjoyed many family vacations to Quebec, Canada, where he toured thousands of miles of trails. For those who knew Bob, you knew that he had a huge heart, as he was always offering a helping hand. He always had a joke to share that would bring laughter to those around him. Bob will be remembered as a beloved husband, father and grandfather who had a heart of gold, and who was a role model to many.
Surviving is his wife Joan, his son Steve, his daughter-in-law Sally, and his beloved granddaughter Jessica, all of Richfield Springs, NY. Bob has three surviving siblings: his sister, Betty Frasier and her husband Robert of Canton, NY, his sister Marna Armstrong and her husband Keith of Unadilla Forks, NY, and his brother Chuck Klem of Inlet, NY. He has two surviving in-laws: his sister-in-law Jean Klem of Tully NY, and his brother-in-law Don Butler of Richfield Springs, NY. Finally, he has several surviving nieces/nephews, and many lifelong friends. Besides his parents, Bob was preceded in death by four family members: his sister-in-law Margaret Klem, his two sisters Connie Klem and Charlotte Butler and his youngest brother David Klem.
There will be a graveside service with Military Honors at 11:00am on Thursday, October 12, 2023. The service will be held at Lakeview Cemetery, 145 Cemetery Road, Richfield Springs, NY 13439.
In lieu of flowers, consider making a memorial donation to one of the following locations:
• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
• Richfield Springs Volunteer Fire Department- 34 E James St, Richfield Springs, NY 13439
• Inlet Volunteer Fire Department- 1 Limekiln Lake Rd, Inlet, NY 13360