John Michael Klesa

John Michael "Mike" Klesa, of Indianapolis, passed away September 9, 2024, at the age 81. Born May 26, 1943 in Lima, OH, to the late Howard Dale Klesa and Frances Jane Repp Klesa. 

Mike graduated from Stow High in Stow, Ohio and from the Ohio State University where he studied horticulture, excelled at ROTC and played baseball. After two years on the USS Ashland as a navigator with the US Navy, a young family was formed with his devoted wife Virginia Lynn Smith Klesa. Mike loved his career with Fred C. Gloeckner & Co. where he was an industry expert, advisor, colleague, and most importantly friend to many. Mike particularly enjoyed working with young and spirited field researchers and bringing new ideas to the horticulture market through his foundation work. Being the eternal optimist and ready to talk anyone’s ear off, please remember Mike as the first to rise on beautiful morning full of hope and opportunity with his signature hand clap and rub and the warm greeting, ‘Good Morning, Sunshine’!

He was preceded in death by his wife Virginia Lynn Smith Klesa, his brother Donald Lee Klesa, his mother Frances Jane Repp Klesa and his father Howard Dale Klesa. Survivors include his sons M. Scott Klesa, his wife Amy; Damon C. Klesa, his wife Molly; his grandchildren, Nate, Patrick, Charlie and Abby; his daughter, Hilary E. Klesa; his sister, Cynthy Ann Klesa Mandl, her husband Frank; and his nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Flanner Buchanan–Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Conner Suite), 9700 Allisonville Road in Indianapolis, Indiana on Saturday, September 28 at 1 PM.

Contributions in Mike’s honor can be made to the Fred C. Gloeckner Foundation Research Fund of the American Floral Endowment at www.endowment.org/gloeckner.