Ronald Emil Klenk

Ronald E. Klenk, affectionately known as "Ron," never recovered from a fall and passed on August 12, 2025. He was born on October 7, 1944, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Vivian (Sieloff) Klenk and Phillip Jacob Klenk.

Life Story

Ron graduated from Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, FL, before attending the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, where he trained in shipboard communications. He later served in the United States Air Force from 1962 to 1964.

In his early years, Ron's faith led him into ministry. He became part of the "Jesus Movement" in Nashville, where he founded the *23rd Psalm* ministry on Music Row. Together with his wife, Diana Wilson, he helped create a Christian coffeehouse, *Second Touch*, which became a gathering place for music, fellowship, and community.

As their family grew, Ron stepped away from ministry to provide for his wife and four children. A brilliant idea man, he was always able to spot a niche to be filled in business. His creativity and determination found outlets in carpentry, small businesses, and contracting. After settling in Charleston, SC, he established himself as a skilled contractor and was honored as Contractor of the Year for his rebuilding work after Hurricane Hugo.

But it was in Charleston that Ron created what became his most profound legacy: the *Treehouse Nightclub*. Hidden behind a weathered yellow door off King Street, the Treehouse bore a sign that read, "All Are Welcome - Gay, Straight, Black, White, Asian, Jewish, Gentile, Vampires & Martians." Inside, its thumping music, cabaret shows, and exuberant atmosphere created a refuge of freedom and joy.

For Ron, the Treehouse was more than a nightclub - it was the realization of his dream to build a space where everyone could feel safe to be themselves. "I never wanted to label the club as gay or straight," he once wrote. "I wanted a mixed club where everyone could feel comfortable, dress like they wanted, act like they wanted, and dance like they wanted." At a time when being openly LGBTQ+ in the South carried real risks, Ron's vision of acceptance and community stood out as both radical and necessary. To this day, patrons remember the Treehouse as a place where, in Ron's words, "innocent and simple people [could] have a good time without prejudice … like kids having fun in a treehouse."

Eventually, Ron returned to Florida, where he continued working in roofing alongside his sons.

Ron is survived by his four children: Jenn Klenk Sifuentes of Kaua'i, Hawai'i; John Mark Klenk; and twins Kyle and Keenan Klenk, all of Santa Rosa Beach and Freeport, Florida. He is also survived by his former wife, Diana Wilson Hendrix.

He leaves behind six grandchildren: Gabriel, Rafael, and Arela Sifuentes of Kaua'i, and Obidiah, Izabella, and Kalia Klenk of Charleston, South Carolina. He is also survived by his siblings Lorraine Brackett, Robert Klenk, and Kenny Klenk.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Vivian (Sieloff) Klenk and Phillip Jacob Klenk.

Character & Legacy

Ron's journey through life was defined by boldness, creativity, and resourcefulness. He was a brilliant idea man, always able to spot a niche to be filled in business, and he lived with a theatrical spirit that turned ordinary moments into unforgettable ones.

He was married wearing Johnny Cash's suit, once marched down the street carrying a cross on his back as part of his ministry, and even found himself kicked out of the military for stealing the opposing team's mascot-an airplane. As a chimney sweep, he embraced the role with a top hat and tails, and at his high school reunion he arrived dressed as a Chippendale, never one to shy away from a laugh. In the 1990s, he defied expectations by opening an all-inclusive LGBTQ+ nightclub in the Bible Belt, welcoming everyone with the same openness and audacity that marked his life.

With his booming laugh, captivating stories, and generous spirit, Ron had a way of drawing people in. He was quick to offer a meal, a place to stay, or simply his time to listen. His legacy endures not only in the ventures he built but in the unforgettable moments and kindness he shared along the way.

In keeping with his adventurous spirit, Ron will be cremated and his ashes scattered by his children at Folly Beach, South Carolina. To allow all who loved him to share in remembrance, the family is planning an online candlelight vigil in his honor.