Thomas James Klenda

Tom’s life began on October 8, 1949, in Hillsboro.  He is the son of Martin B. and Magdalen (Tajchman) Klenda.  Tom graduated from Centre High School and went onto earning business and psychology degrees from Emporia State Teacher’s College.  He was united in marriage to Carol Lukert on October 29, 1988, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend.  Tom was employed by Cargill in Wichita and retired from its soybean plant.  He continued to farm and ranch in rural Marion County until his passing.  He was an avid sports fan, enjoying playing sports when he attended Centre High and was on the football squad at Emporia State. Tom enjoyed a good farm auction and being together with his family whether it was hauling hay or bringing home auction buys.  He was a parishioner of St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Pilsen.  Tom is survived by his wife Carol of rural Tampa; son Matthew (Elanor) Klenda of Marion; grandsons James, Daniel, and Nolan Klenda; siblings Dr.  Martin (Frannie) Klenda of Beloit, Ben ( Mary Lou) Klenda of Wichita, Joe Klenda of Wichita, Patrick Klenda of rural Marion, John (Pam) Klenda of McPherson, Mark Klenda of rural Marion, Mike (Janiece) Klenda of La Crosse, Mary Jo (Dr. Denny) Dlabal of Manhattan, Sharon Hatfield of Tucson, Arizona and Susan ( Joe) Ragole of Centerville, VA and many nieces and nephews.  Tom passed away at his home on Tuesday February 14, 2023, near Tampa. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother David Klenda. Tom’s family will gather with friends on Friday February 24, 2023, from 5-6 p.m. at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Pilsen for a visitation followed by Vigil prayers and Rosary beginning at 6 p.m.  Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by Father Isaac Coulter on Saturday February 25, 2023, at the church at 10:30 a.m. with a Rosary at 10 a.m. Tom will be laid to rest in Pilsen Cemetery following the Mass.  Yazel Megli Funeral Home is serving the family. Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to Marion County Home Health in care of the funeral home. Please sign his online guestbook and leave a memory of Tom at www.yazelmeglifh.com.