Merita (Rita) M. Kleiman, age 81, of Gladstone, passed away peacefully with her loving family at her side on Thursday, March 4th, 2010 at the Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba.
Rita was born April 30th, 1928 in Escanaba, the daughter of Clifford and Helen (Long) Murker. Rita was united in marriage to Harold (Babe) A. Kleiman on June 1st, 1957 at All Saints Catholic Church. Together they raised their family in Gladstone. Unique to Rita and Babe’s relationship, they shared the same birthday, April 30th, although Babe was five years her senior.
Rita was a devoted member of Memorial United Methodist Church. In later years, Rita and Babe resided at Susie’s Serenity, an adult foster care home in Gladstone.
After graduating from Gladstone High School in 1946, Rita attended Northern Michigan University as well as a beauty school in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Over the years, Rita stayed connected with the ’46 Girls by enjoying monthly lunch gatherings and helped plan their high school class reunions. Rita was multi-talented. Following her marriage, she worked as a beautician on Mackinac Island while Babe was employed as a purser, an officer in charge of money, on one of the ferryboats. Rita also enjoyed playing bridge, knitting, crocheting, and embroidering for others. She loved a challenge often occupying her time by solving crossword puzzles, writing poetry, playing cards and games with family. One of Rita’s accomplishments included painstakingly compiling information for the Gladstone Centennial Family History Book. Most of all, Rita was a devoted wife and mother who put her family’s needs above her own. Known for her caring, generous heart, she will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
In addition to her husband, Babe, she is further survived by four children: Cindy (Tim) VanEffen of Green Bay, WI; Tonie (Dan) Mixer of De Pere, WI; Jay Kleiman of Pleasant Ridge, MI; and Hope (Joe) Thompson of Gladstone, MI.
Seven grandchildren: Sara and Lucas VanEffen; Jenna and Elin Mixer; Kyle, Natalie, and Jillian Thompson.
Sister: Lois Jean Thompson of Escanaba, MI. Brother-in-law: Kenneth Pickard of Gladstone, and many close nieces and nephews.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Genevieve Pickard and Anna Sue Norell, along with brother-in-laws Ralph Thompson and Reno Norell.
Rita’s family will receive family and friends on Sunday, March 7th, 2010 from 2:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon at the Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone. Funeral services will be held immediately following the visitation with Reverend Jackie Roe officiating. A luncheon will be served in the church hall at the conclusion of the service.
In spring, burial will be in Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. The family suggests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Rita’s name can be directed to Memorial United Methodist Church.
