Rev. Leo Jerome Klem, C.S.B.

Klem, C.S.B. Leo Jerome died peacefully on July 16 in the Cardinal Ambrozic wing of the Providence Health Care Centre, Toronto, ON. He was in his 99th year. He was born in Irondequoit, N. Y. on July 20, 1913 to William and Henrietta (Forster) Klem. He was a boarder at St. Michael’s College School, Toronto, ON where he met the Basilian Fathers. He entered the Basilian Novitiate in 1931 and was first professed in 1932. He continued his studies there focusing on modern languages, French and German. He was ordained to the Priesthood in 1940 and continued his studies ultimately gaining a PhD in French from the University of Laval, Quebec. He taught languages at the University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto, ON and St. John Fisher College, Rochester, N.Y. where he was head of the Modern Language Department. After retiring from teaching, he spent eighteen very rewarding years directing Marriage Encounter retreats. These were his happiest days doing this weekend ministry in the United States and Canada. He claimed that he had preached in all the States. He was a zealous priest, a wonderful confrere and an exacting scholar. In his last days, he patiently awaited his return to the Lord. He is predeceased by his parents, his brothers William and Richard and survived by his brother Robert (Rochester, N.Y.) and many nieces and nephews.

There will be visitation on July 19 at 9:00 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in the Chapel of the Cardinal Flahiff Basilian Centre, 95 St. Joseph St., Toronto. A memorial Mass in Rochester, N.Y. will be held at a later date. Burial will be in the Basilian plot at Holy Cross Cemetery, Thornhill, ON. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Basilian Fathers Retirement Fund, 95 St. Joseph St. Toronto, ON, M5S 3C2

Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home & Chapel