Business comes to aid of boy raising money friend’s headstone

DETROIT A 12-year-old Michigan boy who had been working odd jobs to raise money for a gravestone for his best friend is getting some help.

Funeral home owner David Techner decided to donate a headstone after reading The Detroit News’ story about Kaleb Klakulak, who had been best friends with Kenneth (K.J.) Gross since Grade 2. K.J. died in May of leukemia. K.J.’s mother, LaSondra Singleton, had to quit her job to take care of her sick son and couldn’t afford a headstone. So Kaleb started raking leaves and collecting bottles, with hopes of raising $2,500. Techner, who owns Ira Kaufman Chapel in the Detroit suburb of Southfield, told The Detroit News that “the story really touched my heart.”

“Here’s this 12-year-old kid who saw a need and did what needed to be done,” Techner said. “So I’m just following this young man’s lead.” Singleton said she is “overwhelmed and grateful” for the outpouring of support, though she said the attention has caused her to relive some hard moments. “It’s a double-edged sword because it’s sad, but at the same time, it’s so wonderful to see so much compassion,” she said.

The marker was completed Tuesday and will soon be transported to K.J.’s gravesite at Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit. The headstone features an image of an angel holding a heart with the inscription: “KJ Gross, cherished son, brother & friend.”