John Henry Klenke Bredenberg

Mr. John Henry Klenke Bredenberg died on June 29, 2022 after a long and courageous battle with esophageal cancer. Klenke was born in Augusta, GA on January 7, 1939 to the late Klenke Karl and Bessie Lee Gunter Bredenberg. He was raised in the Lutheran Church and was a great man of faith and served in many roles in the church throughout his life. Klenke was a gifted musician playing the French horn and the trumpet. At the age of 14, he played the French horn for the Augusta Little Symphony. He was a graduate of Carlisle Military School in Bamberg, South Carolina and was named ideal cadet his senior year. He attended Augusta College and graduated from the University of Georgia. At UGA, he was a member of a business fraternity and was a member of several professional insurance organizations. After graduation, he worked for the Royal Globe Insurance Company. He was promoted and transferred to several of their offices in the Southeast. He then joined Fred S. James, Sedgwick James, and retired from Marsh McLennan after many years in the insurance business. After four months of retirement, he went to work for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co of Georgia for several years. After his second retirement, he enjoyed playing golf and traveling with his family.

Klenke is known as a true “Southern Gentleman” with a one-of- a-kind sense of humor. He loved music and always appreciated a good band or jazz ensemble. He was known for his sweet spirit, sense of humor, and a positive attitude. He never had a bad day even when battling cancer. He was always concerned about everyone else, and he never wanted the focus on him. He used his unique sense of humor to lighten any situation and to make everyone comfortable. He could fix anything and nothing was too challenging to repair. He was a lover of anything sweet, and he would often talk about dessert before he finished his meal. He especially loved ice cream. Klenke was an avid tennis player and golfer. He enjoyed all sports. He and his family traveled to many countries including Italy, Germany, England, Switzerland, and Austria. He also enjoyed traveling to many states in the U.S. Melinda was the love of his life, and he adored his girls and son-in-laws. When Kyle was born, he was the proudest grandfather in the world. Because of his hairline and baby face, he was recognized everywhere he went. Everyone that met him loved Klenke, and he will be forever missed.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Melinda Broome Bredenberg, his daughers and son in laws, Marlee Krohn (Todd), Karen LeCain (Ken), and his grandson, Kyle LeCain. His brother and sister-in-law Emil and Elaine Bredenberg; nieces Toma Dees (Bo), Kathy Dague (Brian), Lee Bredenberg, Kallie McKown (Wilton); nephews Laurence Broome III and Hunter Broome. He is also survived by several grand nieces and nephews, as well as many cousins.

Besides his parents, Klenke was preceded by his father-in-law Laurence Broome and mother-in-law Margaret Wolfe Broome; brother-in-law Laurence Broome, Jr; nephew Elliot Jason Broome.

The family would like to thank the doctors and the nurses at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL, the doctors and nurses at Winship Cancer Institute Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital, the caregivers at The Key, and Heritage Hospice for their loving care and support.

The memorial service will be on Saturday, July 9, 2022 at St. Barnabas Anglican Church 4795 North Peachtree Road Dunwoody, GA 30338 at 11:00. There will be a private burial at Magnolia Cemetery in Augusta, GA at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that any memorial contributions be made to St. Barnabas Anglican Church 4514 Chamblee Dunwoody Road Suite 262 Dunwoody, GA 30338 or to The Salvation Army-Metro Atlanta Command 1000 Center Place Norcross, GA 30093.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HMPattersonOglethorpe.com for the Bredenberg family.