Robert M. Kludy

Robert M. Kludy, 75, of Blue Ash, Ohio, passed away on January 6, 2025 after a brave battle with cancer. Bob was born on May 7, 1949 to Dean and Marian (Magnuson) in Wilmette, Illinois. After high school, he studied Gemology and Watchmaking at Gem City College. He met the love of his life, Bernadette (Malacina), on December 31,1969, when he "lost" a roll of the dice and agreed to go on a blind date on New Year's Eve. Soon after, his draft number was called and he enlisted in the army. Bob served his country honorably and was a proud Vietnam Veteran. For the rest of his life, he carried with him those he served alongside and those who never came home. While serving overseas, Bob and Bernadette fell in love through letters. Though we suspect that Bob loved Bernadette the day they met. When he returned home, they were married and began their life together. They had two daughters, Deanne and Deborah. His daughter Deb helped expand his family, marrying Jason, and adding three grandchildren, Francie, Catherine, and Charlie. On April 28, 2023, Bob and Bernadette celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary.
Bob worked as a Jeweler for 25 years at Leeds Jewelers. He had a part in the love stories of many as he helped them select jewelry for life's milestones. While at Leeds, Bob was a longtime member of the Highland Park Lions Club. His daughters loved helping him on Candy Days and on the Fourth of July.
In 1997, Bob changed careers moving into mechanical maintenance first at a tool and die company and then at Weatherchem, which he retired from in 2019. With his retirement, Bob and Bernadette moved to Cincinnati to be closer to family. In retirement, Bob loved spending time with his grandkids at their events or just because. He was always willing to help out and especially enjoyed projects with his daughter, Deb. He drew the plans and together they built the things she imagined.
Bob loved his family with his whole heart and if Bob met you, he probably considered you family. He was an extra Dad and Papa to many of Deanne and Deb's friends and their extended families. Bob was the person who would drop everything for anyone who asked for help. As Bob helped in life, he did so in death as a cornea donor through the City of Hope.
Though sometimes he had a gruff exterior, Bob had a kind and optimistic heart. He loved Hallmark movies, Christmas lights, reading, and watching over the Mourning Doves from his favorite spot on his deck. His approach to his cancer diagnosis was to fight with everything he had and he did so at every crossroad until the very end. His family is beyond grateful for every moment that Bob fought for.
Preceded in death by grandparents, including his beloved Grandpa Jake; his parents Dean and Marian; Aunts and Uncles; and most recently, his brother-in-law and friend, Glenn.
Bob is survived by his wife of 51 years, Bernadette; daughters Deanne and Deb; son-in-law, Jason; grandchildren Francie, Catherine and Charlie; sister Mary Jo; brother Steve (John); and sisters-in-law Donna (Dennis) and Judy (Ron); his beautiful extended Chambless family Mildred, Missy and Stephen; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral services will be at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church 1809 Rutland Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45207 on January 18th at 11 AM with Visitation at 10:30 AM. A Committal service and Celebration of Bob's Life will be held in the Spring. Additional details will be posted once completed. Online condolences at www.strawserfuneralhome.com