Obit: Grace Falconer Kleis

Grace E. Kleis, nee Falconer, 98, passed away on January 19, 2013 at her home in Scottsdale, Arizona, accompanied in her last days by members of her family and her dedicated caregivers.  Born in 1914 to parents David and Ruth Falconer of Scottville, Michigan, she opened The Vogue Shop in Scottville in the early 1930s, and worked in the apparel industry in Detroit and Ann Arbor, Michigan for seven years.  Maintaining her entrepreneurial spirit, in 1945 she opened“Falconer’s” in Homer, Michigan, and added a second store in Coldwater in 1952. With her business acumen, she attracted customers from all of southern Michigan and northern Indiana.  Over the years many young people gained their work ethic from her example and learned the criteria for quality customer service. She was a mentor to nieces and nephews and a role model for the young women in her family.  Her husband, Ephraim Perlmuter, who preceded her in death in 1964, joined her in this retailing effort. During this time, she was a resident of Jackson, and was a member of both the Arbor Hills and Jackson Country Clubs.

In 1973 she married Harold Kleis, an Ann Arbor businessman. They were members of Barton Hills Country Club and resided in Ann Arbor prior to moving to Scottsdale. Together, they traveled extensively throughout the world.

Grace was admired for being a gracious hostess, as she and her husband entertained frequently, often celebrating University of Michigan athletic events. They continued their residency in Scottsdale where Grace served as Treasurer of the Paradise Republican Women. Her husband, Harold, preceded her in death in 1998.

Grace is survived by nine nieces and nephews, numerous grandnieces and grandnephews.  Her two sisters, Ruth Lundquist and Emma McFarland, and four brothers, Jesse, Wallace, David and Lawrence Falconer, preceded her in death.

Graveside services will be held for Grace at Brookside Cemetery in Scottville later this spring.

Those who wish to remember her with a memorial contributions are asked to consider the Homer Public Library Endowment Fund, 141 W. Main Street, Homer, Michigan, 49245.

Funeral arrangements are being cared for by the Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services – Stephens Funeral Home in Scottville.