Carl Lee Klander, born to Ray and Anna Klander in Houston, Texas, left this world on August 11, 2023,
due to complications of Alzheimer’s disease.
Preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Anna, mother-in-law Frances Cain, and sisters-in-law,
Katherine Ellis and Roberta Cain.
Carl leaves behind his wife, Tracy Lynne Cain Klander and his children, Jacob Klander and wife Melanie,
Kristen McCleskey and husband Shaun, and Sara Klander. He also leaves the one who stole his heart, his
granddaughter Capri Anne McCleskey.
He is survived by his sister, Betty Winkelmann and husband Edwin, and brother John Klander and wife
Marilyn, father-in-law, Thomas Cain, brother-in-law, Jerry Alan Cain, sister-in-law Sally Dunn and
husband Trey. Carl leaves his nieces, Lisa Reed and husband Timmy, Shelbi Dunn, Megan Tellez and
husband Lane, Rachael Fullen and husband Chris, Denise Anderson and husband Clay. He also leaves his
nephews Danny Winkelmann and wife Deanna, John Klander, Jr. and wife Ashley, Steven Winkelmann
and wife Melissa, Ryan Powell and wife Ashley, Justin Powell and wife Eunice. Along with many cousins,
great nieces and nephews, and friends.
Carl was raised in the Heights. He attended Immanuel Lutheran Church School and Reagan High School.
As a child, he loved to ride his bike, hang out with friends and tagging along with his big brother, John.
He enjoyed playing the drums and listening to great rock and roll music. He was the biggest Van Halen
and Stevie Ray Vaughn fan to walk this planet.
In 1984, Carl met the love of his life, Tracy, in Conroe. They were married in September 1985 and then
moved to Houston where Carl went to work for US Foodservice. This career move would be where he
would meet some of his best buddies - the “foodies” as he would refer to them. He never met a
stranger. NEVER. If he talked to you once, you would be considered family forever. He loved spending
many weekends with his niece and nephews. The house was always full of kids, family, friends, laughter
and love.
Carl and Tracy would enjoy camping, traveling, cooking, and cheering on the Astros, Oilers (later the
Texans) and the Rockets; but Carl’s greatest love was drag racing - the only real sport he would sit down
and watch. His favorite driver is John Force. He was usually the one cooking or baking while Tracy and
the children would watch the Astros. He made a “killer” pizza, spaghetti sauce, barbeque sauce and
amazing award-winning ribs. When Carl was not doing all the things, he would work on his beloved
Chevelle. He never missed an opportunity to tinker with his car in the garage, even teaching Kristen how
to change the oil for some daddy/daughter time.
Carl never missed an opportunity to brag about the greatest gift he was given, his children and
granddaughter. He loved his children. They would change his life forever. He would become a coach for
his son’s baseball team. He was always there to cheer on the girls at their sporting events. He would go
on school field trips and volunteer to run the concession stands or assist with any other school event the

kids were involved in. Every night, Carl played with the kids even though he had been on the road all day
and was beyond exhausted. His greatest talent was being a DAD. He would then devote all his time to
his granddaughter, becoming the greatest Paw Paw ever.
Once Carl became ill, he decided to travel. Carl and Tracy have visited many of his bucket list items,
including Mount Rushmore and Niagara Falls. Carl even braved a freak snowstorm for Tracy in Wyoming
at Christmas. Carl hated the cold, but knew Tracy loved it.
Carl has touched so many lives and loved every one of his family and friends. He always had a smile,
helping hand, and positive attitude. It was hard to be in a room and be mad at anything when he was
present. He had a way of turning things around, so you were always laughing or smiling. He was the
nicest man alive. He loved unconditionally and expected nothing in return. He fought hard until his last
breath.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to donate to the Alzheimer’s foundation in Carl’s name. We need
to find a cure for this dreadful disease.
A Celebration of Life will be held on September 16, 2023, at 1:00 pm. The celebration will be held at the
Community Room at 21360 Valley Ranch Pkwy New Caney, TX 77357. The Community Room is located
at the Randall Reed football field. Please wear your favorite rock and roll tee shirt.