Stephen Klem

Stephen Klem, 86, of Olyphant, died Sunday at Moses Taylor Hospital after a brief illness. His wife of 65 years is the former Lucy LaRussa Klem.

Born in Olyphant, son of the late Theodozia and Kornell Klem, he attended Olyphant schools and was a Navy veteran of World War II serving in the Pacific theater of operations. After the war, he worked in several area coal mines.

A lifelong Olyphant resident, he was a member of Holy Cross Parish/St. Patrick's Church, Olyphant, and the Raymond Henry American Legion Post 327, Olyphant.

He was also a member of the Miners Association, which is responsible for the miner's statue near the entrance to Olyphant.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who could never do enough for his family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed helping his grandchildren when working at their restaurant.

Also surviving are a son, Stephen Klem Jr. and wife, Elaine, Olyphant; a brother, Charles Klem, Peckville; two sisters, Anna Misiura, Olyphant; and Kathryn Mickras, Cleveland; two grandsons, Stephen Klem III and David Klem; two great-grandsons, Dominic and Stephen Klem IV; nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by five brothers, Michael, Paul, Walter, John and Andrew Klem; and a sister, Rose Klem Karst.

The funeral will be Wednesday with military honors by American Legion Raymond Henry Post 327 from the James M. Margotta Funeral Home, 1019 Main St., Peckville, with Mass at 9:30 a.m. in St. Patrick's Church, Olyphant. Interment, St. Mary's Assumption Cemetery, Montdale.

Friends may call Tuesday, 5 to 8 p.m. For directions or online condolences, go to www.margottafuneralhomes.com.