Frank R. Kleffner

Kleffner, Frank R., passed away on Friday, June 12, 2015. Beloved husband of and partner in all things in life with Charlotte (nee Petersen) Kleffner. Proud father of Gregory (Renee) Kleffner, Douglas (Jim Hill) Kleffner and Kristine (Bret) Devine. Involved and loving Grandfather of Tricia (Ryan) Koebel of St. Louis, Laura Kleffner of Washington, D.C., Michael Kleffner of Charlotte, NC, Ashley Devine of Chicago, IL, Katelyn Devine of Oklahoma City, OK, Kathleen Devine of Kansas City, MO. Brother of Joan (Dennis) Codd of Tigard, OR. Many friends and colleagues. Frank was born October 22, 1925. He served proudly in World War II (Philippines and Japan) after which he attended Idaho State University and later received his degrees and PhD in Speech Pathology from the University of Wisconsin. Frank was known for his witty humor, which has thankfully been inherited by his children and grandchildren. He lived life with purpose and dignity, centered around family and as an important contributor to his profession. Franks career was centered on helping children with communicative handicaps as CEO and President of the Institute of Logopedics (now Heartspring) in Wichita, KS (from 1976 until his retirement in 1991), and Director of Clinics at Central Institute for the Deaf, Washington University in St. Louis, MO (1950-1976). He was noted in his profession for the Landau/Kleffner Syndrome, President of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), President of the ASHFoundation, and board member of the National Easter Seal Society. He was named the 1991 Executive of the Year by the National Association of Private Schools for Exceptional Children. The Frank R. Kleffner Lifetime Clinical Career Award has been presented annually by ASHF since 1986. He often said, “I am proud of my professional contributions, which are among the most important in my lifes work.” Memorials may be sent to ASHFoundation, 2200 Research Blvd., Rockville, MD 20850. Celebration of Life will be at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, July 11, 2015, at Heartspring Conference Center, 8700 E. 29th St., Wichita, KS. Downing Lahey East Mortuary.