Age 73, went on to a new life September 29, 2015 following a long battle with illness. He was a Chicago Archdiocesan Priest on loan to the Phoenix Archdiocese.
He was born in Chicago, Illinois to Lucille Kleiber (Prudzik) and Raymond John Kleiber. He attended Quigley North High School, Niles Preparatory and Mundelein Seminary. After ordination he worked closely with Bishop Abromovich. He arrived in Phoenix in 1980. Fr. Ken was Chaplain at the Phoenix Veteran’s Administration Hospital for twenty years. He served the faithful at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Glendale), St. Patrick’s (Scottsdale), St. Maria Goretti (Scottsdale), St. Catherine’s (Phoenix), St. Thomas (Phoenix) and Queen of Peace (Mesa) during his years in Phoenix. Fr. Ken loved ministering to the Veterans and the people he served with compassion and grace. He received many awards for his service and co-authored a book (“Deacons Permanent or Passing”/Richelieu Court Publisher 1982) with Deacon Herve Lemire. He wrote extensively in the Catholic Press under the pen name “John Raymond.” His life experiences enabled him to write profoundly and understand the pain of humanity. He enjoyed animals (especially horses), classical music, reading and nature. He is survived by fond brother Lawrence A. Kleiber and wife Cathleen Kleiber, fond uncle Phillip Kelleher, Michael Bond, Erik Kleiber, Natalie Kleiber and husband Ryan Carberry, great uncle Ian Bond and Kendall Kleiber and his sister in Christ Donna Rowe. Fr. Ken is preceded in death by his parents Raymond John and Lucille Kleiber, fond sister Barbara Kelleher/Kleiber, John Kelleher and David Kelleher. Private services will be in Chicago at Resurrection Cemetery. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to Guest House, Inc., 1601 Joslyn Road, Lake Orion, MI 48360.
Vi burns
My heart goes out to Fr. Ken’s family. Fr. Ken was the brother I never had. And I told him so.
There will never anyone like him. He was working at the V.A. Hospital when my son was admitted with a terminal prognosis. Fr. Ken wanted to see him and anointed him. I will never forget that.
It was a privilege and blessing to have known him.
Vi burns
to visit Fr. Ken in the hospital and Care Center. His suffering is over and he will always be in my
heart,thoughts and prayers.
May God surround you and yours, with his love and peace.
Vi
donna przudzik mcfadden,RN,BSN
We are cousins who called upon each other during times of need. In my nursing I would frequently come upon people who knew him for his humanity, selflessness and compassion. Kenny also played the accordian and spoke 3 languages. He was a great Shepherd of black sheep! He understood! Deus est semper cum mea! My heartful condolence to the people he loved. I will keep you in prayer.