Kenneth James Klasmeier

Kenneth James “Cuz” Klasmeier

December 20, 1947 – August 6, 2021

Ken passed away on August 6, 2021, after a heroic four-year battle with kidney cancer.  He spent his last day saying good-bye to family and friends and was at peace with his fate. Ken was a member of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department’s first training class, and he retired as a Lieutenant in 2006, after 38 years.  The majority of his career was as a member of the County’s Fire Investigation Bureau.  Even though he retired in 2006, “Cuz” remained a member of the firefighting brotherhood, and enjoyed nothing more than gathering with fellow firefighters and reliving their experiences over the years.  After he retired, Ken sold boats at BassPro Shops, which allowed him to indulge his passion for bass boats and bass fishing.  He made many good friends while working there – both co-workers and customers.  Everyone Ken met was his friend.

Ken loved his family, his many friends, bass fishing, his boat, his cats, fishing vacations in Maine, and just about any hot sauce.  He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Lori Blair Klasmeier; his daughter Holly Riley and her partner Josh Wehner; his grandson Keegan Riley and his partner Hannah Roberts; his granddaughter Gabrielle Riley; his brother Jerome Klasmeier and his wife Jane; his in-laws, Beverly and Victor Raspa, and Randy and Bonnie Blair, Sr.; his brother-in-law Randy Blair, Jr. and his wife Danielle; his brother-in-law Matthew Blair and his wife Elizabeth; his brother-in-law, Brady Raspa and his wife Alyssa; his nieces Melissa Beardmore (Bruce), Coleen Klasmeier, Michael Klasmeier (Susan), Tyler Blair, Austin Blair, Allison Blair, Dominick Mizer, and Grant Mizer; his cats Kylo, Lovie (named for his beloved aunt), and Lump (his father’s nickname); and other extended family members.  His great-granddaughter is expected in November.  He was predeceased by his parents, Holden and Audrey Klasmeier.  A previous marriage to Dorothy Deanna Klasmeier ended in divorce.

A memorial gathering and celebration of Ken’s life will be held on September 19, 2021, at Earleigh Heights Fire Station beginning at 12 noon.  A service will be held at 1 p.m. and will be followed by food and friendship until whenever.  Anyone who wants to attend should feel free to stop in at any time.

Gifts in memory of Ken may be directed to support kidney cancer research at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. Checks may be made payable to Johns Hopkins University and be mailed, with a memo indicating that this gift is in memory of Kenneth James Klasmeier, to the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, PO Box 17029, Baltimore, MD 21297-1029.  Gifts may be made online at https://secure.jhu.edu/form/kimmel.