David Valentine Kleiman
May 24, 1917 - January 3, 2009
Obituary
David Valentine Kleiman
May 24, 1917 – January 3, 2009
David Valentine Kleiman, who, with loving family by his side, joined his Lord, beloved wife Lucille, his parents, siblings, and dear friends on January 3rd at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way, Washington, will be laid to rest on Tuesday, July 14th, 2009, at Tahoma National V.A. Cemetery in Kent, Washington. A Catholic Memorial Mass will be conducted at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Federal Way, Washington, at 10:30 a.m., with Fr. William McKee officiating. A reception for family, friends, neighbors, and his cherished pinochle group will be held from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Kloshe Illahee Community Club House in Federal Way.
The youngest of fifteen children, Dave, as he was lovingly known, was born in Wilson, Michigan, to the former Juliana Kazmierczak and Casper Kleiman. Early Michigan farming and Gold mining in the Black Hills of South Dakota were to be his primary occupation’s in life.
His legacy was that of a Good man, a Good husband, a Good father, and a Good friend. ‘The Salt of the Earth’ as stated by his long time Doctor and friend of over thirty five years, Dr. Michael Davies, M.D. and Administrator of the V.A. Hospital in Sturgis, South Dakota.
During their lifetime in South Dakota, from 1949-2008, he and his wife, Lucille, an accomplished artist and cook, were popular figures, often photographed in Spearfish Canyon during Choke Cherry picking season. Lucille would then make her famous Choke Cherry jam and they would share, to the delight of many.
Having inherited his mothers ‘Green Thumb’, growing gargantuan Sunflowers was another delight of his, with people driving by and stopping to take pictures.
An accomplished ‘By Ear’ accordionist, his talent was requested for numerous occasions, but was first and foremost for his family and friends. He also was a Master checker player, seldom beaten, to his delight, but was a good sport if bested. Cards were another of his enjoyments, Canasta and Pinochle primarily, and belonged to weekly card groups.
During their younger years, dancing, particularly the Polka, was a delight to him and his wife Lucille. They were commonly known for their ‘flying feet’.
Family occasions and outings, car trips, vacations, and socializing with family and friends were of major importance to him. He, and his wife Lucille, particularly enjoyed going to Custer State Park to see the Buffalo, especially the Buffalo calves in season.
His two primary delights since moving to Washington were his Wednesday night Pinochle group and riding his newly acquired Bright, Apple Red, Outdoor Scooter. He could be seen early morning and evening, riding, sometimes zipping, with his little dog, Princess, riding happily in the basket or on his lap. They were a ‘Norman Rockwell’ delight to the neighborhood.
Ask a question, you got a story! He was a Master storyteller with flair! A twinkle in his eye, an amusing smile, all he needed was an audience. With his ready smile, good natured demeanor, quick wit, sense of humor, and appreciation of a good joke, while hospitalized, he was the staff’s favorite.
‘Together Again’, He and his wife Lucille, enjoyed life and will be forever remembered and sadly missed by all.
He is immediately survived by two sons, Duane Kleiman Etta Mae of Custer, South Dakota; Hugh Kleiman Alice of Cheyenne, Wyoming; one daughter, Theresa Payne, of Federal Way, Washington; nine Grandchildren, thirteen Great-Grandchildren, and three Great-Great-Grandchildren. He is also survived by two Sister-in-laws, Rosella and Rose Kleiman and numerous relations.
He was predeceased by his wife Lucille, his parents, seven brothers, John, William, Paul, Herman, Joseph, Edward, and Antone; and seven sisters, Mary Paral, Anna Mleziva, Pauline Borman, Clara Solis, Julia Otradovic, Katherine Craig, and Veronica Gonsowski.
My parents Walter and Rosemary asked me to write to let you know they received the lovely memorial paper about Uncle Dave. My dad has many stories about Grandma Clara’s brothers and sisters. One that always brings laughter is one about him helping move Uncle Dave from the Chicago area; Loading up all the furniture on a truck with side racks, the jar of custard that broke on the hood, driving with Uncle Paul through every small town in Wisconsin until they reached the U.P. From the memories submitted by grandchildren, it sounds like he was a Kleiman to a T….My dad and most of his siblings are the same way. My parents send their condolences and wanted you to know they appreciated receiving the papers. Please keep in touch with them.
Sorry to hear about his death.
Dave was a great card player at the Senior Center in Spearfish. When I came to work here in 1994 he was such a part of the place. He introduced me to the value of card holders, a help to many who have needed them since. He is fondly remembered.
Vina Dodson, Center Director
Dear Theresa and Family,
I read your father’s obituary in our newspaper. What a wonderful tribute to a “Good” man! So much of his life caught my attention, born into a family of 15 children, being a miner, loves to play cards, a dancer and story teller. Through your word I feel that I know your father. My sympathy at your loss. My father passed this March. He had many of the same qualities and even had a Scooter. Maybe David and my father, Ed, are playing Pinchole together. May God shower you with healing grace.
Judy, Cathedral Parish Nurse
Theresa, I seen the notice in the R.C. Journal. Grandpappy will be missed. My Love and Prayers are with you always.
I really miss the thought of not having Grandpappy around because that ends an chapter that can never be reopened. But I am happy to be part of that chapter for so many years. He will be truly missed. They Granny and him will be truly missed. My heart and prayers go out to you, Theresa. Love, Paulette Atkinson
Received the pictures and seen the obituary in the Rapid City Journal. Please accept my condolencences
.
I’m so grateful to be able to say that Grandpa Dave, as I lovingly knew him, has been one of the best men in my life. He was always kind and thoughtful, loving, and generous, and he never failed to put a smile on my face. I miss him and Grandma Lou every day, and it’s been such a pleasure and experience to have known and loved such wonderful people.
Memories of Grandpa K
I have came to realize how lucky we all have been to had grandpa in our lives for so long.
I will forever cherish all the time I got to spend with him.
As a youngster, going with him to work in his garden or a Saturday beer root beer with his miner buddies back in Lead.
Our many hunting seasons, from when I used to have to run to keep up with him, to our last elk hunting trip, when all the
hills seemed a whole lot higher. In the last 7 years we got to
spend a lot more time together, our almost weekly BS sessions,
I think we both looked forward to these.
Grandpas gone to be with his “LOU” and all his family and friends that have all gone before him.
I’ll miss you Grandpa!!!
A special Uncle as no other, he shared happy memories making Ice cream,him sending us on a happy higher ride on the yard swing. Being “chosen” to ride Pat the Belgiun horse while Uncle Dave followed guiding the plow. So many memories of his playing Grandma’s favorite “Blue Skirted Walze, the last time I heard him play when I visited with him when they moved to Wa. State. His beloved laughter, sense of humor, hugs to remember and cherish. I will miss his friendly phone calls, always something to share. He never hung up without saying,”I Love you still,” Go in peace. Niece Julie Schauer828@aol.com
Dear Sweet Grandpa!
My heart is filled with so much joy when I think of you. So many fond memories. I always chuckle when I think of the times you were deliberatley pushing grandma’s and moms buttons. You would always sneek in a wink and quitely chuckle as you waited for a response. I will never meet a more simple loving man than you were gramps! It is with the passage of time that I too yearn for the simplicity that you so warmly embraced. Thank you for all of the laughter, the lessons,the friendship and for always loving your “cookie”. I miss you terribly and look forward to the day that I see you and grandma with our Heavenly Father.
Here’s to You Grandpa for a life well lived!
All My Love & Blessings.
Lori
PS – Give grandma a BIG Hug and Kiss for me. Jesus too!