Funeral for beloved Elder teacher highlights a charitable life

CLIFTON – Service and selflessness were prevalent themes during the funeral for Elder High School teacher Mark Klusman.

Friends and family gathered Jan. 3 at St. Monica-St. George Church to honor the life of Klusman, a beloved computer science teacher who died from injuries sustained in a hit-and-run incident last month.

Those attending, who ranged from family and friends to students inspired by Klusman, were encouraged to wear the school color. As such purple was very much in evidence at the service.

"It would be an understatement to say Mark was reliable," said Roger Auer, a campus minister at Elder, during the ceremony. "My life, like others, had been enhanced by this kind, gentle man."

During one of the lighter moments the Rev. Al Hirt, pastor at St. Monica-St. George, said he once had spoken with someone concerned there might not be enough to say at his own remembrance.

Hirt said that was far from the case with Klusman. "Mark Klusman has given good material," Hirt said reflecting on Klusman's numerous charitable acts.

Hirt also described Klusman's compassion for others. He said that while visiting Klusman in the hospital, Klusman had asked for forgiveness for the driver who had struck him.

He was always thinking of others ahead of himself, Hirt said.

Following the service, a number of acquaintances commented on Klusman's generosity.

"To be honest, he was one of the most influential coaches we had," said 2017 Elder High School graduate Matthew Peterson, who had Klusman as both a teacher and coach. "He was always focused on teaching a life lesson in and out of the classroom."

Elder assistant cross country coach Greg Dickman leads a cross country camp where students travel to northern Michigan that was started by Klusman about 40 years ago.

Dickman said some of his fondest memories were from these camps. He said during nights at the camp, the runners would set up inner tubes in the parking lot to lie on and just watch the stars.

"(Klusman) would share his knowledge about astronomy and inevitably conversation would come back to running and life," Dickman said. "That is a tradition I want to keep going.

"He was a role model."

A Gathering Reception will be held 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3, at the Schaeper Center of Elder High School, 3900 Vincent Ave.

Additionally, a memorial Mass will be 1:10 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8, at the school's Fieldhouse. This Mass will be for students, faculty and staff.
source: www.cincinnati.com