Community Senior Living

Remembering Michael Klein: A Lasting Legacy Through His Estate Gift to Village Shalom

Written By: Village Shalom
November 10, 2026

When we look back at the people who helped make Village Shalom what it is today, Michael Klein is certainly one of them.

Michael, who passed away on August 24, 2026, played an important role in Village Shalom’s history. From helping lead the effort to build our current campus to supporting the arts, attending events and giving back to the Jewish community, his involvement spanned decades.

His connection to Village Shalom was both professional and personal—and his commitment to our future continues through a generous gift from his estate.

Helping Build Village Shalom

Michael served as president of Shalom Geriatric Center during a pivotal time in our organization’s history. As plans took shape for a new senior living community, he helped guide the fundraising and construction efforts that brought Village Shalom to the Helzberg Campus for Jewish Living.

He also co-chaired the capital campaign for the new campus, helping move an ambitious vision forward. For an organization whose history dates back to 1912, this transition represented an important opportunity to continue providing quality care while creating a community where Jewish traditions, culture and connections could thrive.

Michael remained involved long after the campus opened.

A Personal Connection to the Community

Michael’s mother, Maria Klein, and stepfather, Gerald Gershon, lived in one of our villas. This gave him the opportunity to experience Village Shalom not only as a community leader but also as a family member.

In a reflection he shared for Village Shalom’s 25th anniversary in 2025, Michael recalled visiting his parents, spending time with them and attending exhibits at the Epsten Gallery. He especially enjoyed seeing residents connect through art.

Over the years, he continued to serve as a volunteer, board member and member of the Epsten Gallery committee. He also served on the committee for A Defining Moment capital campaign and remained a familiar face at Village Shalom events, including our annual Father’s Day Run.

Sharing His Love for Jewish Art

Michael’s passion for Jewish art remains visible throughout our campus. Pieces from the Michael Klein Collection share Jewish history, culture and traditions with residents, families, team members and visitors.

His interest went beyond collecting. Michael believed in making art accessible and sharing its ability to bring people together. Through his involvement with the Epsten Gallery, he saw firsthand how art could create meaningful connections. Today, sharing rotating pieces from the Klein Collection is an important part of Village Shalom and a lasting reflection of his commitment to preserving and celebrating Jewish culture.

A Commitment to the Jewish Community

Michael believed strongly in ensuring Kansas City would always have a Jewish senior living community where older adults could receive the care and respect they deserve.

During our 25th anniversary celebration, he shared:

“I am proud to be part of Village Shalom’s 25-year story and to help ensure a Jewish senior living community continues to thrive in Kansas City.”

He described Village Shalom as an important anchor for the Jewish community, helping ensure older adults are cared for, celebrated and never forgotten.

That belief reflects the mission Village Shalom has carried forward since 1912, including our longstanding promise never to ask a resident to leave because they can no longer afford the cost of their care. Michael understood the importance of protecting that mission for generations to come.

His Generosity Continues Through His Estate

Michael’s commitment to giving extended well beyond Village Shalom. He generously supported several Jewish organizations throughout Kansas City, helping strengthen the community and preserve its traditions.

That commitment continues through his estate. Michael left significant legacy gifts to Village Shalom and several other Jewish organizations. Village Shalom recently received its estate gift, which will help support residents’ daily lives through programming, clinical care and financial assistance.

Estate gifts do more than honor a donor’s lifetime of generosity. They provide essential resources that help sustain an organization’s mission and make a lasting difference for future generations.

Michael’s gift will help ensure that Village Shalom continues to provide a place where older adults can live with dignity, connection and the support they need.

It’s especially fitting that someone who helped build the Village Shalom community would make such a meaningful investment in its future.

Remembering Michael

Michael Klein’s contributions can still be seen throughout Village Shalom—in the campus he helped bring to life, the artwork displayed throughout our buildings, the events and traditions he supported, and now, through the lasting impact of his estate gift.

His legacy is also reflected in the relationships he built and his belief in the importance of a community where older adults feel connected, supported and valued.

We are grateful for Michael’s many years of leadership, involvement and friendship, and for his continued commitment to Village Shalom’s future.

May his memory be a blessing.

If you are interested in exploring a legacy gift, especially during this time when there’s a Bushman Legacy Foundation matching gift opportunity, please reach out to [email protected].

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