Robert Joseph Klem, 65, died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, March 9, in Phoenix, following a long battle with Multiple Myeloma.
Born in Rochester, N.Y., on March 18, 1954, the son of Gerard and Alice Klem, Robert moved to Phoenix in 1979, where he was employed by the Phoenix Public Library and CopperPoint Insurance Companies.
Bob was a walking encyclopedia on the Beatles, loved rock & roll music, and enjoyed reading and watching sports and movies. He especially enjoyed old-time comedy, including Jerry Lewis, the Marx Brothers and Three Stooges.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Jim and David. He is survived by his sister Nancy Koran (Bob) of Bethesda, MD, and his brothers Don (Barbara) of Auburn; Ken of Garner, N.C.; Bernie (Kay) of Dalton, Mass.; and Joe (Jean) of Arlington, VA. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the International Myeloma Foundation https://www.myeloma.org/or the Hearing Loss Association of America https://www.hearingloss.org/.
Judy C Gayne
Thoughts and prayers go out to you now in the weeks to come as you accept this loss. He will be remembered by so many for his smile and jokes.
Sincere sympathy,
Gary Bennett
All I needed to know about life I learned from you. The Bar Mitzvah card you got me for my birthday, stating inside that you had looked at all the birthday cards and found them wanting, was perfect. Rest in peace, my friend.
Nancy Klem Koran
To my Brother Bob, who battled multiple myeloma for six years with grace and dignity. Rest in peace. I am missing you. Till we meet again on the other side. Nancy Klem Koran
Mary Gonzalez
Bob and I had much in common, we both came from a large Catholic family. He often shared his Catholic upbringing with me. He was an altar boy in his younger years. Every year around his birthday, he would ask me, what saint feast day was after his birthday, “St Joseph” spouse of the Virgin Mary. He told me how his brother Joe was named after Fr Joseph from their church. He was very proud of his family and spoke so highly of them all. Even his brother that had passed away and how it took 8 weeks before they could burry him because of the deep know in N.Y. He loved his apartmemt after his sister, Nance came out to helped him after his first battle of MM. At work, he would often share that his sister Nancy did this and that! He was happy! (New bed, TV, recliner etc.) Bob was a peculiar individual, very private. When changes in his house were made by others, he didn’t like it! I remember he shared with Judy and I that he split up with a girlfriend because he hated when she always moved the furniture around. That was just how Bob was. At work he was our English Major with words. He often told us how he was good at that! God put Judy and I in his long term working career at CopperPoint because He knew Bob needed someone else to see what he couldn’t. Bob loved to tell jokes and put a smile on everyone’s faces, he loved watching sports on T.V. His sister, Nancy made his last days better as did his brothers who were there for him. Nancy, your mom Alice is very proud of you, Joe and Bernie♡♡♡ R.I.P our dear Bob♡♡♡
Mary Gonzalez
Correction: Even his brother that had passed away and how it took 8 weeks before they could burry him because of the deep SNOW in N.Y.
After I retired he would send me links to his mom’s Interviews. I really enjoyed that History for the Klem family. It was a real treat knowing Bob. He was like a brother to me who had disagreements just like any family! We could really relate. Oh, the how he boasted about the “KLEMBAKES. ” He is now resting and receiving the “Fullness of God.” R.I.P. Bob <3
Gail L Colburn
Such a nice guy and so easy to work with. The world will be a sadder place with his loss. My condolences to his family
Judy (Mason) Andrews
I knew Bob from high school. His sense of humor and smile are great memories. The best one is when he asked me to the junior prom and going. I remember that he enjoyed playing chess , as well. My condolences to the family. RIP Bob.
Mary Gonzalez
Happy earthly Birthday Bob. Our cubicles were next to each other for 10 years at CopperPoint. We both came from a Catholic family of 8 children. We could relate in so many ways! Thank God, you don’t have to deal with the worries of this world anymore. You are free from the bonds of this life. I pray you are now receiving the fullness of God. You will never be forgotten. In many ways, you were like a brother to me. And, YES Bob, tomorrow is the Fiest Day of “St Joseph” R.I.P.♡ Mary
Christi Lukaszkiewicz
Happy Birthday Bob. You are a dear friend one of the good guys and will be missed. I will have the song played for you by The Bank Band “Spirit in the Sky” besides a set of Beatle songs for you. For the good times You were one of the good guys you will will be missed you made me laugh Say hi to our SCF work family and I am sure you are entertaining everyone. Save me a seat Bob. Until we meet again. To your family….Bob talked very highly of you all and you were loved so. Rest in heavenly peace
Joe Klem
Thanks, all, for your kind words and memories. It means a lot. Bob loved you all and spoke highly of so many folks in the Phoenix area and Copperpoint in particular. Remembering him again, the day after his birthday, and today being the feast of my patron Saint Joseph, also Bob’s middle name (smile). Hope I get a chance to meet those of you that I haven’t yet. Cheers.
Jacqueline Kurth
Dear Family of Bob,
I worked with Bob at CopperPoint Insurance for several years. I just learned of Bob’s passing , thus the late condolence. Bob was so smart and witty; I always enjoyed talking and laughing with him. Bob was humble, unassuming and a great guy. Our world needs more people like Bob. Please know that I will keep Bob in my thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy, Jacqueline Kurth