Charles F. Kleefeld, 90, Veteran of the US Army serving during WWII
Charles F. Kleefeld , 90 of Lorain died Saturday Morning, March 29, 2008 at the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky following a long illness while in the company of his family.
Mr. Kleefeld was born in Cleveland, Ohio on January 28, 1918, the son of the late Paul and Lottie (Frederick) Kleefeld. He was a lifelong resident of Lorain. He graduated from Lorain High School in 1936 and attended Case Western Reserve University earning a degree in applied science.
He is a veteran of the US Army serving during WWII. He was a staff sergeant with the combat engineers. He received the EAME Theater Ribbon with two bronze stars and the American Theater Ribbon.
He was a member of Church of the Redeemer in Lorain, a member of the Vestry, Altar Guild and was an Eucharistic Minister visiting the elderly and the ill for communion.
Mr. Kleefeld's family moved to Lorain in 1920 and started the family business: Universal Cleaners. Mr. Kleefeld and his brother ran the business from 1946 until it sold in 1975.
He was past president of Lorain Exchange Club, a member of the Board of Directors for the Lorain Chamber of Commerce and hosted "Town Talk Forum" for three years. He also served as a Director of Northern Ohio Dry Cleaners Association.
Mr. Kleefeld was a member of Black River Lodge # 786 F & AM, 32 degree Mason, and past president of Lorain County Scottish Rite. He was past president and past secretary of Senior Fellowship Club and was well known for his involvement in the Lorain Community Hospital Follies from 1961-1996. He volunteered with the Lorain County Habitat for Humanity.
He is survived by his daughter Jean E Karnik of Lorain, granddaughter Kimberly (Troy) Brunner of Lorain, grandson Vincent F. Karnik, V of Amherst, great grandson Vincent F. Karnik, VI of Amherst, a great granddaughter Kylie E Brunner of Lorain and his brother Paul (Lois) Kleefeld of Elyria, one niece and two nephews
Mr. Kleefeld was preceded in death by his wife Betty B. (nee Burgess) in 1983.
Friends may call Tuesday, April 1, 2008 from 4-7 p.m. in the Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home For Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain, Ohio. A Masonic Memorial service will be held at 5:30 p.m. by his lodge.
Funeral Services will be in the Church of the Redeemer, 647 Reid Ave., Lorain 44052 at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 2, 2008 with Rev. Stephen Sedgwick, rector, officiating.
Burial will be in Ridge Hill Memorial Park Cemetery, Amherst Township, with full military honors provided jointly by the American Legion Post 30 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 451.
Family suggest that memorial contributions may be made to Church of the Redeemer 647 Reid Avenue Lorain, OH 44052 or Cleveland Clinic Foundation For Alzheimer's Research, 3050 Science Park Drive, AC 332, Beachwood, Ohio 44122.
Online condolences at www.boyer-cool.com.