Josephine Klos

All who knew Josephine Klos would agree that she truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She tirelessly served others in ways both great and small, and she treasured her family more than anything on this side of heaven. Josephine valued her faith, and she counted it all as joy, even when the storms of life came her way. She was a shining example of determination and resilience, and inspiration to so many. Deeply loved, Josephine will be dearly missed.

Although the 1920s were primarily prosperous years in the United States, it was a much different story in Germany. With the end of WWI they had many reparations to pay, and they were only further crippled when the Versailles Treaty forced Germany to give up 13 percent of their land. Despite the challenges around them, Joseph and Mary (Geier) Dullinger were able to shift their focus to an exciting time in their lives as they announced the birth of the baby girl they named Josephine on February 12, 1923, in Rosenheim, Germany.

Growing up, Josephine was a typical young girl of her generation in many ways. She was raised in the family home alongside her siblings, Ria and Alfons. Josephine attended local schools in her home country of Germany, where she was eventually married. Though the marriage did not last, she was forever grateful for her son, Max.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon when she met the love of her life. His name was Joseph Klos, and they began their relationship while still in Germany before he immigrated to the United States. Once there, he worked as a butcher in Grand Rapids, and Josephine and Max soon followed him to America. At first, she was very homesick and wanted to return to Germany. Thankfully, Joseph encouraged her to stick it out. Josephine faced many difficulties as a German in the United States, yet she continued to grow stronger as a person and find joy in her family and the many friendly people in her new neighborhood. Josephine, Joe, and Max found a family in their new church, St James Catholic Church. Later, they attended Holy Trinity Catholic Church. With a desire to build their new lives together, Joseph and Josephine were married in 1953. The two built a house on Four Mile Road in Comstock Park in 1960, which she would call home for the rest of her life.

Of all the things Josephine treasured in life, she loved her family most of all. Since telephone was the most convenient way to stay connected with her loved ones in Germany, she called as often as she could. Josephine was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother later in life. She took every opportunity to show her grandchildren and great-grandchildren how much they were loved and enjoyed caring for them when their parents were working.

Josephine had a special knack for making all her friends and loved ones feel uniquely loved. Her passion for cooking and food was always reflected in the meals she prepared for her family. Each fall she would make Krapfen with her grandchildren, and tiramisu was her favorite dessert. Taking pride in her clean home, Josephine would often kneel to clean the floor, even into her nineties. In everything she did, she had a quiet but strong faith, and Josephine always strove to align her values and actions with her beliefs. Christmas Eve was always a favorite holiday for Josephine, as she could shower her son, grandchildren, and great grandchildren with gifts and home-cooked meals. Though she didn’t usually buy nice things for herself, she enjoyed spoiling her loved ones.

Throughout her life that spanned nearly a century, Josephine made the most of each and every moment she was given. In her free time, she liked to crochet blankets and slippers and spend time outdoors, especially in her prized garden. Josephine’s ties to Germany continued to impact her in the music she listened to, and she also enjoyed Patsy Cline. She frequently traveled to Germany to visit, even during her sunset years. Josephine also traveled all over Europe and the United States, enjoyed cruises, and took several day trips around Michigan. Closer to home she liked attending Senior Group three times every week.

Following a divorce, Josephine’s son moved back in with her in 1987. He was then able to help care for her after Joe’s death in 2004. Max often drove Josephine to her events and appointments, and as her sight began to fail, he took over on the cooking as well. After a stroke in January of 2021, Josephine moved to Raybrook Manor in order to receive more care.

As her family and friends can attest, Josephine Klos valued the happiness of others over her own. She treasured her family above all else, and she was known for her unconditional love and selfless spirit. Though she will be dearly missed, Josephine leaves behind a legacy that her loved ones will carry on proudly in her footsteps.

Josephine Klos, age 98 of Comstock Park, passed away February 28, 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister and brother, and her husband Joseph. Josephine is survived by her son Max; her grandchildren Casey (Mike Hendricks) Hatzinger, and Erik Hatzinger; her great-grandchildren Owen, Sofia, Quincy, Madelyn, and Merrilyn; her great-great-grandchildren Dexter and Jade; and many family members in Germany. Josephine will be remembered for her love for her family. A private family service will be held.