KLEIBER, REV. KENNETH RAYMOND

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.