Paul B. Klann

Paul B. Klann, 72, of St. Joseph, passed away Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at his home. Friends may call from 5-8 P.M. Friday at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Elks Memorial Service Rites will be conducted at 8:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home by St. Joseph Elks #541. Memorials may be made to Hospice at Home or Berrien County Cancer Service. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Paul was born December 24, 1932 in St. Joseph to Otto & Frieda (Pinz) Klann. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1951. Following graduation, Paul was employed for five years as a fireman for the St. Joseph Fire Department. On June 15, 1957, he married the former Marilyn Stromberg in St. Joseph. In 1959, he opened Paul?s Shell on Niles Avenue, which he operated for 37 years until his retirement in 1996. Following retirement, he volunteered at Lakeland Hospital in the coffee shop, and worked part-time for Ridge & Kramer in St. Joseph & Stevensville. Paul was a life member of St. Joseph Elks #541 where he served a term on the board of directors. Paul was an avid golfer and sports fan, closely following the Detroit Tigers and the University of Michigan Basketball & Football teams. Paul is survived by his wife Marilyn; his son David (Sue) Klann of Benton Harbor; his daughter Beth Kalin of St. Joseph; five grandchildren-Jessica (Jason) Ransom, Samantha (Bill) Ashley, Mitchell Klann, Ben & Erin Kackley; two great-grandchildren-Rory & Aubrey Ransom; his sister Trudy (Bill) Gillespie of St. Joseph; two sister-in-laws-Thelma (Robert) Reifschneider & Shirley (Gordon) Montey-both of St. Joseph; and several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Irving Klann.