Bernard "Ben" Julian Klaene

Bernard (Ben) Julian Klaene passed into the hands of God on Friday, January 31, 2025 in Cincinnati. He was born here on August 1st. 1941 to Julian and Mabel (Bradhold) Klaene. Ben was devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Karen (Layman) Klaene, and five children, Jeanette (Tom) Fleming. Julie (Bernie) Erwin, Michael (Kathy) Klaene, Suzanne (Brian) Mehaffie, and Mark (Julia) Klaene. He was grandfather of sixteen to Abigail (Brendon) Sparks, Luke, Clare, Laura, and Thomas Fleming, Justine (Ismael) Aguilar, Serena and Ariana Erwin, Jacob Klaene and Nicholas Klaene, Jeremy (Ksana) Vandever, Joseph Mehaffie, Jackson, Colin and Ella Klaene. He was preceded in death by grandson, Matthew Heyob. He also had three great-grandchildren, Hailey and Max Heyob and Declan Sparks. He was half-brother to J.B. Klaene, Loma Hicks and Lili McIntire and the late John B. Klaene, and his dear cousin Harry Burg. 

Ben was in the U.S. Army from 1959 to1962, serving in Germany, as Sergeant E-5. He joined the Cincinnati Fire Department in 1963 serving 30 years. He was assigned to Ladder and Engine companies and the Heavy Rescue Unit Squad 52. He was among the first Paramedics trained in Cincinnati. He rose to the rank of District Chief in 1984 commanding the Cincinnati Fire Training center educating fire recruits. 

He graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science and Technology, and a Master’s Degree in Adult Education. He taught at U.C. in the Fire Science Degree Program for twenty-seven years. He co-authored four editions of the text book, Structural Fire Fighting, Strategy and Tactics. 

Ben was devoted to his Catholic faith, a Eucharistic minister at Good Samaritan Hospital and Hillebrand and now, Premier Estates of Cincinnati nursing homes, and also a member of Our Lady of Presentation Lay Ministries and their Bible Institute.

 Ben was an avid fisherman and loved model railroading.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation Thursday February 6th, from 5 pm until 8 pm at the Dalbert Woodruff and Isenogle Funeral Home 2880 Boudinot Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45238, and Friday February 7th, there will be a visitation from 9:30 am until time of Mass at 10:30 am at St. Antoninus Church 1500 Linneman Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45238. Military Honors and final prayers to follow at New St. Joseph Cemetery.

If desired, memorials may be made to Presentation Ministries click HERE to donate. or donate by mail: 3230 McHenry Ave. Cincinnati, Ohio 45211.