George Klaeren

George passed away Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. He was born January 26, 1933 in Elmhurst, Illinois the son of Michael and Edna (Overocker) Klaeren. As an athlete for Mendon High School he earned All-State Honors in Football. George proudly served his country in the US Air Force during the Korean War. He earned his Master's Degree in Education from Western Michigan University where he lettered in Football. His professional career in education began in 1959 as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and most notably principal of Otsego High School. For 64 years his biggest role was as a loving husband to Bea and a devoted family man to his eight children and 17 grandchildren. In his spare time he enjoyed playing softball, boating, camping, traveling and attending academic and athletic events for his children and grandchildren. On May 29, 1954, at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Mendon he married Beatrice Ann Klein who survives. Also surviving are his children, Michael (Sue Kelly) Klaeren, Theresa Calvin, Stephen (Laura) Klaeren, Lisa (Don) Walley, Patrick Klaeren, Kevin (Carol) Klaeren, Laura (Joe Miller) Henckel and Beth (Daryl) Zartman and 17 grandchildren, Katie, Thomas, Elizabeth, Kristen, Melissa, Rachel, George, Daniel, Mary, Matthew, Stephanie, Logan, Maxwell, Ryan, Nathan, Hunter and Jacob. He was preceded in death by his parents and 6 siblings. Friends may visit with George's family from 4:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M., Friday, April 20, 2018, at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 P.M., Saturday, April 21, 2018, at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Mendon, with Monsignor Thomas Martin officiating. Burial will follow at St. Edward's Catholic Cemetery in Mendon. Contributions in memory of George may be made to the Otsego Public Schools Foundation or the Mendon High School Athletic Boosters. Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.