Edward L. Klee "Santa"

Klee (SANTA), Edward L.

Suffered a massive stroke on March 4, 2021 and passed away Saturday, March 20, 2021 at Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice Home, surrounded by his loving family. Ed was born July 26, 1953 in Jackson, Michigan, the son of Edward and Jennie Klee. He is survived by his wife of 42 years Linda; 3 children, Benjamin (Sarah), William and Christina Klee; 2 grandchildren, Riley and Harper Klee. Ed is also survived by one brother, Paul (Rose) Klee and three sisters, Pam (Brian) McWhirter, Penny (Randy) Janiak, Kerry (Kurt) Klee-Tiesman; mother in law, Dolores Deraedt, two brothers in law, Mark (Patty) Deraedt and Jay (Robin) Deraedt; and several nieces and nephews. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Jennie Klee and father in law Leon Deraedt.

Ed attended East Jackson High School. Early on he was a meat cutter by trade at both Klee's Quality Meats and G&L Takeout before he transitioned to the Department of Corrections where he retired after 25 years. He was a coach/chaperone for the Special Olympics and Little League coach/umpire in the Jackson area for many years. He was a member of Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish. Ed enjoyed hunting, cooking, baking and spending time with his family. He loved his grandchildren dearly and had a special bond with them that only a "Santa" grandpa could. For the past 32 years, Ed was known to all as Santa. He spread joy and magic all year round to everyone he met.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church at 11:00 AM with Father Timothy MacDonald as the Celebrant. The Funeral Mass will be live streamed on Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church's Facebook Page at the link below: https://www.facebook.com/queenschurch

The family will receive friends at the Church on Tuesday from 9:30 AM until 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice Home would be appreciated.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family owned for 131 years