Major Dean A Klenda

PILSEN - Major Dean Albert Klenda, USAF

Dean A. Klenda was born in Marion, Kansas, August 20, 1940, the son of Albert and Pauline (Hanus) Klenda.  He was baptized into the Catholic Church by the late Fr. Emil J. Kapaun.  Dean was raised on his parent’s farm northwest of Marion.  He was active in 4-H, especially in the home beautification project and promotional talks.  He earned many awards in all phases of ­4-H work in which he was entered.

He attended Marion High School for two years, he then transferred to Kapaun High School in Wichita, Kansas, graduating with the class of 1958.  At Kapaun High School he was active in speech presentations and wrestling.

After graduation he continued his education by attending the University of Detroit, in Michigan, for two years, majoring in aeronautical engineering.  Dean became an active member of the Arnold Air Society, Knights of Columbus, Newman Club and Phi Kappa Theta fraternity.  He transferred to Kansas State University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in agricultural economics in 1963.  During his years at K-State he continued his activities in the organizations he joined at the University of Detroit.  He served two terms as president of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity.  In Newman Club he became the Kansas regional director and went on to become the chairman of the Central States Province, a four state area.  He received the Cardinal Newman award from the Newman Club in Pittsburg, Kansas, expressing their appreciation for his assistance in developing their club.

Dean was an active member of the AFROTC.  Upon graduation from Kansas State University he entered the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant.  He graduated from Upgrade Pilot Training from Laughlin AFB, Texas, in September of 1964.  He furthered his education by completing Advanced Survival Training at Stead AFB, Nevada, graduating in October of 1964, and USAF Operations Training, F-105, graduating in May of 1965.  He belonged to 65XC.  He had also received the UPT Flying Training award.

Four months prior to his overseas tour to Okinawa, Japan, he was united in marriage to Kaye Young, from Wichita, Kansas.  They were married in January of 1965, at McConnell AFB, Wichita, Kansas. 

In May of 1965, Dean was assigned to the 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron.  His last assignment on September 17, 1965, was over North Vietnam, when his F-105D Thunderchief Aircraft was hit by ground fire.  Major Klenda ejected but his parachute failed to open.  He was placed on Missing in Action status on that date.  His status was changed to Killed in Action, Body Not Recovered on May 28, 1974. 

In November of 2014, human remains were recovered in Vietnam, through lengthy scientific testing and matching dental records, they were identified to be Dean’s remains. His status was changed to Killed in Action, Recovered. 

Today, he is survived by his sister, Deanna (Peters) Klenda of Wichita and Marion; his nephews:  Gavin Peters and his son, Ezra of Wichita; and Kyle Peters of Daphne, Alabama; his niece, Jillyn Schmidt, her husband, Tray and their children, Tripp and Bodey of Manhattan; and Dean’s wife, Kaye Klenda Ekman of Panama, Florida.   

The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 17, 2016, at St. John Nepomucene Church, Pilsen.  Interment will Military Rites will be in the Pilsen Cemetery.  Memorial Funds have been established for:  Holy Family Parish; All American Beef Battalion; or the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia, in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, 205 Elm, Marion, KS, 66861.  Online Condolences may be left at:  www.zeinerfuneralhomes.com.