Rev. Dr. Carl M. Kleis passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 4, 2012, at Renaissance Gardens, Warminster. He was 80 years old.
He was the husband of the late Helen Studdiford Kleis who predeceased him in 2003.
Born in Holland, MI, he was the son of the late Clarence and Gladys Kronemeyer Kleis.
He is survived by his daughters, Gretchen Dunlop (Robert) and Nancy Kleis, his grandsons, Alex and Evan Morello, two sisters, Myra Berry and Glennyce Moerman (Ivan) and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Paul Kleis.
Rev. Kleis was pastor of North & Southampton Refermed Church for 36 years. In his retirement he served as pastoral associate at Old First Reformed (UCC) Church, Philadelphia. He was educated at Hope College, The University of Michigan, New Brunswick Theological Seminary and Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. His many hobbies included gardening, sailing, reading and fixing anything, or anybody he found in need. After following his call and caring for his family, his main joy was found in music which he pursued through a life long study of the oboe and piano and as an active supporter of the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Settlement Music School. He found time in his endlessly busy life to volunteer for the former as an archivist and biographer.
It is impossible to begin to number the many lives that Carl touched and changed. His family asks that anybody wishing to honor Carl’s memory turn their intention into an action that will bring healing and wholeness to the world.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Memorial Service on Saturday, November 17, 2012, at 12:00 Noon at the North & Southampton Reformed Church, 1380 Bristol Road, Churchville, PA 18966, where his family will receive condolences from 11:00 AM until the time of service. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to memorial funds of the North & Southampton Reformed Church at the above address or Old First Reformed (UCC) Church, 151 North 4th. Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
North and Southampton Reformed Church
1380 Bristol Road, Churchville, PA 18966
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Our sincere condolences to you and your family. May your Father/Grandfather/Brother live on in your hearts. We are sorry that we could not attend the service today. Please know that we are keeping you close in thought and prayer.
Carl was a very important part of the Ministry at Old First.
His soft voice and wonderful smile along with his quiet listening helped many of us through hard times. He is missed.Thanks for sharing your dad with us.
Gretchen,
Our most sincere condolences to you and your family. I did not have the good fortune of knowing your Dad but knowing how wonderful you are I can only imagine what a special man he is to have a daughter like you. Our thoughts are with all of you.
Regards,
Diane OToole
Mr. Kleis married my husband and I 11 years ago and I have nothing but warm and happy memories of him. What a wonderful man to have known and I pray that he is at peace.
Nancy and Gretchen - I just learned of your Father's passing. He and your family meant the world to my family for my whole life. Your Dad was there for us, and struggled as we did, when my Dad passed. I saw just how hard that service was for him as I know he and my Dad were such close personal friends. He will be missed by many, but more by you both. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. He will be with us always in our hearts and memories. I take comfort that he is in a better place, with your Mom and my Dad. My love to you both, Nancy
It is impossible to relate Carl's part in my spiritual formation. It was because of my pastor/friend, Carl that I attended New Breunswick Seminary instead of Western. He was there for me, but even more importantly for my family through the years. We were always proud to call him our pastor. Among the many memories were his passion for social justice in his meaty sermons and those summer days when I would ride my bike past the parsonage and hear the msuic of the oboa floating out to Bristol Road from an open window. We all loved Helen too and cherish her memory. I have no doubt Carl is happy with what God has made known to him in heaven.
Mr. Kleis is someone I will never forget. A few years ago, when the church had it's reunion, Mr. Kleis knew I was there because my son has my curly hair. Mr. Kleis always remembered the details of time he spent with you no matter how long ago it was.
Dear Kleis family,
There are no words to describe the loss of a parent or Grandparent. You have my deepest sympathy. Until I found myself in this same situation I really had no true understanding of how hard this really is. I lost my "superman" 3 years ago, and I still miss him every day. God truely does bring us peace and healing, but in the mean time I am sending you all a big virtual HUG. Hang in there everyone. Peace, Wendi & the Showmakers
I am a Retiree Care Chaplain, and therefore receive these notices. I wish to express my deepest sympathy in your loss of a father, grandfather and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Gretchen & Nancy
We were so sorry to hear that our wonderful friend Carl had
died. I had sent him an email about 10 days ago and did not get a reply, which was very odd. We're so glad we got to see him when we came back for my class reunion in Sept.
Both he and your mother were very special to us and we loved them dearly. I wish we lived closer so we could attend the service, but we will be thinking of all of you.
Carl was one of the all time influences on my life with his presence for college choices, landscape & garden formations @ the Church, and eventual photo & film work of areas @ the Church. He will be missed greatly. He was also a dear friend of my recently deceased Mother Ruth & our family, over a 50 year relationship of kindness.
Gretchen And Nancy,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Your dad meant alot to me and my family thru the years. He touched so many lives and will be sorely missed. I will be out of town for his memorial service but wanted you to know how sorry I am.
Gretchen and Family, Although I did not know your Dad personally, I can see through all these wonderful statements about him what very special man he was. Hold on to the wonderful memories and remember he is always in your heart. xoxo
I loved this man. He married my parents and was a part of Warwick - the best weekend of my life for 20/21 years so far. I can't wait to see him again one day! Gretchen Alex Evan Nancy love all of you be strong.
Gretchen and Nancy,I was so sorry to hear about your dad. I know what you are going thru at this time. I hope you can find comfort knowing that he is in a better place.
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