Joseph P. Klem

Joseph P. “Moose” Klem, age 81, of Norristown, Pa., and formerly of Gilberton, Pa., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 in Montgomeryville, Pa. Mr. Klem was the son of the late John W. Klem and the late Margaret Lapachinsky Klem. He was the loving husband of the late Mary Catherine Valyo Klem, who he married in 1964, and the beloved father of Joseph S. Klem (Linda) of Horsham, Pa. and Patrick J. Klem of East Norriton, Pa. He was also the brother of Eleanor O’Shura of Dauphin, Pa., Theresa Zubris of Oaks, Pa., Leona Klem of Gilberton, Pa., the late Rita Katulis, and Denise Klem of Harrisburg, Pa. In addition, he is survived by his grand-daughter, Samantha Klem. Joseph, the son of a coal miner, was born and raised in Gilberton and was a graduate of Gilberton Borough High School, Class of 1952. He was a brave man,a firefighter and life member of Gilberton Fire Company who went on to proudly serve our country by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force and went to the South Pacific with PACAF. We was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. After his time in the service , he returned to the Gilberton area where he played and coached the Orange Bud’s softball team. He later moved to Norristown, working for Tube Methods as a shipping clerk for 45 years, until his retirement in 2000. He enjoyed his times as a PIAA official, working baseball, basketball and softball games in the Norristown and Bridgeport area leagues. Joe was a devoted catholic and a member of Our Mother of Sorrows Church. He worked at the Slovak Festival and even used to cut the grass for the church. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewings on Tuesday, December 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, December 28, from 8:30 to 10:15 a.m. at The Bernard S. Gutkowski Funeral Home, 305 Jefferson Street, Swedesburg, Pa., 19405, 610-275-6385, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 120 Jefferson Street, Swedesburg. Interment with military honors will be in St. Augustine Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to The Swedesburg Volunteer Fire Company, 310 Jefferson Street, Swedesburg, Pa., 19405. www.gutkowskifuneralhome.com