Bruce W. Klonowski

Bruce W. Klonowski, or Mr. K as the kids knew him, passed away on Monday March 9, 2026 in Goshen, Indiana. He was born on May 10, 1947 in LaPorte, IN to Zebe and Clara (Moffitt) Klonowski.

He married Jane Griffin on June 15, 1974 in Elkhart, IN. She survives with a son Jay (Steph) Klonowski; a daughter, Katie (Cory) Kurtz; as well as his beloved grandchildren, Riley and Graham Klonowski and Ava and Isaac Kurtz. Nothing brought him more joy than when they gathered at his house on the lake in the summertime.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Cheryle.

Bruce graduated from LaPorte High School. He graduated from Ball State University with a Master's Degree in Education, where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He came to Elkhart in 1969. Bruce taught at Pinewood and Samual Strong Elementary Schools; became an Assistant Principal at Roosevelt School for 10 years and a Principal at Hawthorne Elementary for 27 years. Bruce was a member of Kiwanis, Elkhart Community Schools Principal Association, Indiana Association of School Principals, Indiana High School Athletic Association, and St. Joe Valley Officials Association. He was a coach for Osolo Little League and worked at Elkhart Parks and Recreation, and was a Deacon at First Presbyterian Church in Elkhart. Bruce was also an avid NOTRE DAME fan!

Bruce was an IHSAA Basketball official for 46 years, during which time he officiated 5 women's state finals and 2 men's state finals. He was the 2002-2003 outstanding girls official for Indiana and was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in New Castle, IN in 2005.

Friends may visit with the family at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 on Thursday March 19, 2026 from 3-5 and 6-8 PM. A Funeral Service in his honor will be on Friday March 20, 2026 at 11 AM at First Presbyterian Church 200 E. Beardsley Ave. Elkhart, IN. where friends may visit for one hour before the service. Private family burial will take place.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the IHSAA Foundation at www.ihsaa.org, the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame at One Hall of Fame Court New Castle, IN 47362, or Ryan's Place 1566 Regent Street, Goshen, IN 46526 or www.ryansplace.org. Online condolences at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the Goshen Hospital doctors and nurses who so lovingly cared for Bruce.