Kenneth Robert Klingshirn

Kenneth Robert Klingshirn, 92, of Elyria, OH, passed away suddenly on July 31, 2024.

Ken was born April 9, 1932, in Cleveland, OH. While Ken was a hard worker, he was also a man who found it impossible to sit still for long, so he enjoyed careers including veteran, pilot, builder, developer, building inspector, and real estate investor. Ken was humorously known to have a complete mess on his desk at work, although he would tell you that he was so efficiently organized that only he could tell you where anything was.  One year, the Morning Journal newspaper included a caricature of Ken’s desk in the comics section of their newspaper depicting a very messy desk! Ken could even be found working hard in one of his rental properties acting as a painter, carpenter, plumber, and electrician.  Although he was a jack of many trades, he would tell you his greatest role was as a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great-grandfather.  Many years into his marriage, he recalled a story to his grandchildren about the first time he met his wife.  He recalled “When I first met her, I thought she was the nicest and kindest person I had ever met, and I remember thinking that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her.”  And so he did!

Ken loved playing card games, reserving most Saturday evenings for a fun night of cards with his dear friend, Michael.  He also enjoyed watching game shows and kept himself occupied with Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.  Ken was known to have a sweet tooth that led him to filling up a plate with more than his fair share of cakes, pies, cookies, and donuts.  While there wasn’t a sweet treat he wasn’t willing to try, his favorite food was broccoli and it was always the first thing to be eaten off his plate.  Ken enjoyed traveling, which included going on long drives and visiting different parts of the country, walking around casinos and amusement parks to walk off all those desserts he enjoyed so much! As long as he was on the move, Ken was happy.  Ken had a soft spot in his heart for animals.  Although cats were his favorite, he fed all the stray animals in his neighborhood (in fact, many of the animals with loving homes still came to see Ken as they knew they would be fed well and loved immensely).  Ken installed a pet door in his home to allow the neighborhood cats to come and go as they pleased, and he got a kick out of the many other neighborhood animals that made their way into his home!  Ken had a playful heart, often playing a lap game with his grandchildren lovingly referred to as “Pony Boy” where he bounced his grandchildren on his knee and sang them a song.  He also had a small box that he would tell his grandchildren over the years not to open, telling them the box contained a spider.  Finally, after many years, his grandchildren worked up the courage to open this box, only to find a cute little smiley face drawn at the bottom of the box.  One of Ken’s big goals was to grow a beard, something he spent most of his life being unsuccessful in; however, at the age of 92 he finally grew a nice full beard.  He was so proud!  Ken will always be remembered as a loving man with a gentle heart, playful spirit, warm hugs, and a smile with dimples that lit up every room he was in. 

Ken was preceded in death by his son, Michael Klingshirn, son-in-law Robert Ames, and sweet great grandson, Elisha Robert Woods.

Ken is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Doris Klingshirn, and his children Kimberly Ames, Kent (Susan) Klingshirn, Jeff (Andrea) Klingshirn, Denise (Doug) Bonko, Bruce Kyer, and Debbie Frier.  Ken’s legacy will live on with his many grandchildren:  Genesis (Jon) Guzman, Keli (Matthew Kelly) Klingshirn, Nicholas (Christy) Ames, Kelsey (Bradley Woods) Ames, Justin (Laura) Klingshirn, Brandon (April) Frier, Ryan (Ally Montgomery) Klingshirn, Michael Klingshirn, Penelope Klingshirn, Erin (Richard) Wirth, and Alan (Becky) Bonko.  Great grandchildren include Alexa (Zach Cline) Tucker, Hailey Guzman, Gabriel Frier, Zoe Klingshirn, Brooklynn Frier, Madisan Guzman, Ava Kelly, Roslynn Frier, Dallas Wirth, Savannah Wirth, RJ Wirth, Madeline Ames, and Robert “Bo” Woods.  Great-great-grandchildren who were fortunate to be the fifth-generation offspring and who will keep Grandpa Ken’s memory alive for many generations to come include Barrett Cline and Wylder Cline. 

At the request of the family, there will be a private celebration of life. 

Habegger Funeral Services is honored to serve the Klingshirn family.  We encourage you to share a fond memory or condolence by visiting habeggerfuneralservices.com.

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