Ronald J. Klenoski, 72 of Valparaiso, passed away peacefully, with his daughters by his side on Thursday, July 31, 2025. He was born June 26, 1953, to the late Floyd and Dorothy (Schultz) Klenoski in Saginaw, Michigan. Ron graduated from Indiana University, where he played on the football team as an offensive lineman. He went on to a career as a chief operator with the BP Refinery in Whiting for over 30 years. Ron enjoyed cheering for his alma mater and watching his favorite baseball team, the Detroit Tigers. Ron was a hardworking man who put his family first. He was a proud father to his two beloved daughters, and supported them in their endeavors throughout their lives. Ron will be remembered as a kind and generous man with a big heart for others. He loved to tell stories and make people laugh. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Ron is survived by his daughters: Kylie (Ward Nelson) Klenoski of Grants Pass, OR, and Courtney (Joseph Gorski) Klenoski of Hobart, IN; former spouse, Beth Codespoti; brother, Jim Klenoski; and nieces: Kim and Kara. He was preceded in death by his brother, Gary Klenoski; and sister-in-law, Mary Jane Klenoski.
A celebration of Ron’s life will be held September 20, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Gamba Ristorante, 455 E 84th Dr., Merrillville, IN 46410. Memorial contributions can be made to VNA Hospice NWI, 501 Marquette St., Valparaiso, IN 46383, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), 2101 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 3200, El Segundo, CA 90245, or the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA, 22116-7023.
GUESTBOOK
Very sorry to hear about your father’s passing. We spent many good times at Amoco/BP. -Terry Adams
This man taught me so much at the refinery. He had a great sense of humor that I won’t forget. I still laugh at many of his quips. Outside of work, Ron was my sponsor for the Cursillo movement. I am forever grateful to Ron for that. De Colores my friend. Prayers to your family. I know Ron loved his family very much. He always spoke of you. Until we meet again, Ron. Thank you for your support and showing me how to stay safe out here. -Anthony Puente
My sincere condolences to the entire Klenoski family! I met Ron back in the mid/late 2000s as an Operator at HPDN. Ron's relatable stories to work would go unmatched today. Stories that were hilarious but also had deep meaning behind them. Ron was my Trainer on the Distillate Hydrotreater for my final qualification before becoming a Chief Operator in 2009. "Kong" will definitely be missed by the entire HPDN family and others around the Whiting Refinery. -John Cleve
I am saddened to hear of Ron's passing. I met him when I hired in at BP and we were good friends outside of BP. A great friend who will always be remembered and greatly missed. Condolences to the family and a thank you Courtney for informing me of your dad's passing and the conversation we had. -Thomas Solomon
I met Ron at the Valpo YMCA, several years ago. He became a part of our Y buddies group and we had a friendship in and out of the Y. He was such a great friend. RIP Ronny. You have and will be missed, dearly. -John Dobbins
