Nov. 12, 2022, age 89. Predeceased by his parents, Luther & Minnie Klafehn; and siblings, Dean (Loraine) Klafehn, Marion (Norman) Rath, Luther (“Joe”) (Adeline) Klafehn & Helen (Luther) Unterborn. Survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Barbara; children, Rev.Richard (Dianne) Klafehn of Syracuse, Jeffrey Klafehn of Glen Mills, PA, Todd (Joan) Klafehn of Penfield, and Holly (Ronald) Drake, of Darien, CT; grandchildren, Zachary, Joshua, Erica, & Ruslan Klafehn, and Christopher, Matthew, & Karson Drake; and many nieces & nephews.
Karl was born in Hamlin on June 22, 1933 and married Barbara Hays in 1956 after two years in the Army. He retired in 1991 from Kodak, was a lifelong active member of St. John Lutheran Church, and served as Hamlin town councilman (1964-1975). He served St. John Lutheran Church in numerous capacities and for many years as president of the Klafehn Family Reunion. Karl’s friendliness, playful humor, and interest in others made him much beloved. The products of his woodworking skills and workshop can be found in his church, the Hamlin Town Hall, his home, and the homes of family & others.
A Memorial Service will be held at St. John Lutheran Church, 1107 Lake Road West Fork, Hamlin, NY, on Monday, Nov. 21 at 2 pm, followed by a reception. Burial – Lakeside Cemetery, Hamlin. Contributions may be made in Karl’s memory to the St John Lutheran Church Evangelism Fund or Life Solutions of Hamlin, Inc. See burgerfuneralhome.com.
