Henry J. Klos

Henry J. Klos, beloved husband and father, highly-respected physician and long-time resident of St. Joseph, died peacefully at home on December 20, 2013. His strong and generous spirit will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2013, at 2:00 PM at the First Congregational Church, 2001 Niles Avenue, St. Joseph, MI 49085 with Rev. Dr. Robert Braman officiating. Friends may visit one hour prior to the service at 1:00 PM. Those wishing to sign Dr. Klos’ Memory Book on-line, may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Henry Klos was born in Detroit, MI on May 12, 1920, the elder of 2 sons of Polish immigrant parents and would later share this proud heritage with his own children. He overcame adversity during the Depression through great determination. In college while on a journalism assignment, he became fascinated by the new technology of radiology and switched majors, putting himself through medical school at Wayne State University. After receiving his M.D., Dr. Klos served his country by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force Medical Corps, in the rank of Captain-Flight Surgeon and was stationed with the occupation in Japan after WW II. Upon his return, while working at Harper Hospital in Detroit, Dr. Klos met and married his best friend, Margaret-who became his devoted wife of 63 years and moved to St. Joseph, MI, where they raised their 6 children: Don, Ken (deceased 2008), Mary, Janet, Nancy and Laura. He was also the proud Grandpa of 10 grandchildren, who adored and admired him. Brother Ted and wife Pat live in Florida with their 2 sons. A leader in his profession and the community, Dr. Klos was a long time active member of the Kiwanis Club, the First Congregational Church and was the editor of the Berrien County Medical Bulletin for 35 years. He served as Chief of Staff at Mercy Hospital and as Senior Partner of Radiology Associates of Berrien County. He was also an avid supporter of the Sarrett Nature Center. Modest and unpretentious, he received many awards and was a popular, respected member of any group he joined; educating, serving and entertaining all with his quick wit and stories. Dr. Klos camped and canoed throughout Michigan and the US. A highlight of his family’s memories was their annual summer RV camping tours through almost every state in America. In his spare time he enjoyed crossword puzzles, golfing, swimming, and later in life watching most sports on TV. He was also well-known for crafting his family’s unique annual homemade Christmas cards. Dr. Klos was an active supporter of civil rights reform. He also welcomed all cultures and ages into his home and loved to learn about their differences and debate issues of the day. He instilled this love of others in his family. His generosity and open-mindedness, along with his curiosity, integrity and ever-present humor, touched numerous lives. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Benton Harbor’s Readiness Center for pre-school & parent training (http://www.readinesscenterinc.org) or the First Congregational Church of St. Joseph.