Klaus H. Ankele

Klaus H. Ankele, 84, of Kingston, died Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at Kingston Hospital, Kingston, NY. He was born August 30, 1927 in Munich to the late Heinrich and Karoline (Reissinger) Ankele.

He was married to Wilhelmine (Vogler) Ankele, they wed on April 8th 1955.

Klaus was orphaned at 14 years old with no immediate family remaining in Germany. Post war, his job took him to the German Alps where he tested milk of the cows in the mountains.

In 1947 he met his future wife and dated for four years prior to coming to the US in 1951 on the Queen Elizabeth. He dated his future bride through beautiful, tender, and passionate love letters.

He eventually found work as a commercial sign painter with Modjeska Sign Studios in Kingston. Klaus was very proud of his work, as was his family. His greatest pride was in the billboards. He painted for First Prize Meats, Catskill Game Farm, and especially those for Schaefer Beer. In his rare free time, he also created magnificent works of art for our home.

He was elected president of the German Mannerchor Club in Kingston and performed traditional German dances locally and in other cities. Through this club he befriended numerous other German immigrants, remaining friends for many years.

He became a citizen and was ultimately permitted to sponsor his beloved fiancée, Mina to come to the US in 1955. They honeymooned in Washington, DC.

His focus was on the needs of his family and home. Although his free-time was very limited, he designed beautiful floral gardens; one year so magnificently bloomed that drivers-by stopped to take photos.

Year after year, his family looked forward to the Christmas tree theme of the year.

With his family, they returned home to Germany for many summer visits. He especially enjoyed hiking in the splendid Alps with his daughters. In 1990, he fulfilled one of his dreams by attending the Passion Play in Oberammergau. This past year, a final dream was fulfilled when he gifted his granddaughters with one last trip "home".

Klaus also visited Hawaii, Bermuda, Disney World, New Orleans, Grand Canyon, Cancun, sharing the treasured adventures and memories with family. For 27 years, he and Mina spent 2 weeks in Aruba, his favorite destination other than his homeland.

As a devout Christian, he followed our Lord's commandments. In his last days he took comfort knowing that our Lord and savior was fighting for him. In our Lord's time, we will all be reunited.


In addition to his wife he is survived by his daughters; Caroline V. Ankele of Poughkeepsie, NY and Sheila DeBiase and her husband Joseph of Saugerties, NY and grand children, Tara Ankele DeBiase of Saugerties, Jessica A. DeBiase of Saugerties, and Cheyenne Surprise of Woodstock.

Entrusted to the care of Luke Keyser, Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc., 326 Albany Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401, where friends may call on Friday from 4 - 7 pm. The funeral service will be held on Saturday at 10:00 am at the funeral home. Burial to follow in Wiltwyck Cemetery, Kingston.

Light a candle in memory of Klaus at www.KeyserFuneralService.com