Jeffrey Craig Kloster

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(June 14, 1961 – May 25, 2020)

Jeffrey Craig Kloster was born on June 14, 1961, to the late William Edward and the late Gay Hicks Kloster. He grew up in Ft. Worth and Dublin, Texas with his brother Mark. He was one of those people who excelled at most everything he did. He received his undergraduate degree from Tarleton State University, and his business and law degree from The University of Texas at Austin. He worked for the Texas Legislature and served as legislative director, legal counsel, and reading clerk for the Texas House of Representatives. He worked for Rep. Dudley Harrison, Rep. Kim Brimer, Rep. Rick Crawford, Gov. Rick Perry, and Rep. Brian McCall. He moved over to the Senate to work for Sen. Dan Shelley. He then was hired as a lobbyist, working primarily in the health care industry and worked as an attorney for Vinson & Elkins. Later in his career, Jeff worked at a beloved local running store where he was known as the “RunTex guy” and at Jack and Adams cycling store. In those roles, he led multiple running and cycling groups and inspired countless people to live active lives. He returned to state service briefly at the Texas Education Agency where he was largely responsible for the implementation of the fitness-gram in public schools. Most recently, Jeff served as CEO of his family’s business, Dublin Bottling Works. 

Jeff suffered a massive stroke in 2013. He did not let it keep him down though. He worked diligently to regain most of his mobility and was extremely active and functional despite the significant sequela from his stroke – all the while becoming a favorite patient in the stroke unit at St. David’s. While devastating, Jeff’s stroke led him to his greatest triumph which was the one over drugs and alcohol, the addictions which had gripped him much of his life. He started his sober life in St. Paul, Minnesota where he lived in a sober living house and attended 12-Step meetings for almost a year. It was the love, friendship, and support that he found in Minnesota that set him on his road to a new life. In his sobriety, Jeff found his calling. He was an absolute inspiration to those who came into contact with him through his faithful daily attendance at the Bouldin group, the many meetings that he conducted at local treatment facilities, and the individuals whom he sponsored and supported. 

Jeff’s two amazing sons, Connor Simmons Kloster and Luke Jeffrey Kloster were the lights of his life. With them, he shared many things including the love of the Texas Longhorns and Chuy’s. In addition to his sons, Jeff is survived by his brother Mark; his uncle Joe V. Hicks of Burleson; his nephew, Cole, nieces Karsen and Kali, and his many “Dublin” Cousins. He is also survived by multiple brothers and sisters “in the rooms” of Recovery, whom he loved and to whom he was devoted. Jeff was truly an inspiration to every single person he met. He was an extraordinary man who will be deeply missed. 

Visitation will be held Friday, May 29th, 2020 from 5-7 p.m. at Harrell Funeral Home in Dublin, TX 

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 30th, 2020 at Harrell Memorial Chapel in Dublin, TX. 

Burial will follow at Old Dublin Memorial Park Cemetery. 

Memorial donations can be made to the South Austin Alcoholics Foundation. 

601 Bouldin Ave. Austin, TX 78704.

6 Comments

  1. I’m so sorry my love my fiance that your family chose to not do your Celebration Of Life exactly how you wished . Almost everyone that knew you and enteracted with you daily knew you were engaged and knew how much our relationship was to you so to bury you as a single man was so against your wishes and mine. We spoke of this numerous of times and It happen just as I told you it would . I’m so sorry things were not as yiu wished . Just know I’m still with you always and forever. We know the truth thats all that matters. Love and miss you everyday
    Mimi and Bella miss papa Jeff very much especially mimi.

  2. Miss you everyday this is not getting any easier. Mimi and bella are sending their love we miss you so much . You will never be forgotten.

  3. Every day we miss you . You will always be a part of us . Me and the girls miss you so much . Rest In Peace my love ❤️

  4. I thought as time went by this huge hole in my heart would heal as time goes by . It has not we miss more every day that passes . Bella misses papa Jeff taking her to the park and Mimi misses every second of attention you gave her constantly. Time doesn’t heal it just prolongs the pain. We miss you . We miss us . We love you . Always have /Always will .

    The ?of your life .
    SLK?

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