Gunnar Elias Klintberg

Gunnar Elias (10/16/1948-4/28/23). It is with profound sorrow and love that family and friends mourn the passing of Gunnar Klintberg after a three year battle with the incurable ALS. Gunnar was born in Stockholm, Sweden to Lars-Gunnar Klintberg and his wife Gunborg. After completing school in Sweden, Gunnar attended Dartmouth College on a basketball scholarship (1969-1972) and earned a BA in International Political Science. Exceptionally talented in languages, Gunnar was accepted into the prestigious Russian language Interpreter School (Tolkskolan) in Uppsala for his military service. Simultaneously he completed his master’s degree in Russian and Eastern European Studies from the University of Uppsala (1973-1975). Gunnar began his business career with the Axel Johnson Group in Stockholm, trading with Eastern Europe. In 1976 he became General Manager of the Axel Johnson Moscow office. After three years, he was transferred to the NYC office as Assistant to the President (1979-1982). Gunnar then joined the Nordic American Banking Corp (1982-1986) in Corporate Finance. In 1986 Gunnar and a partner formed Holberg Incorporated, a private equity firm invested in various companies, primarily in fast food distribution and parking services. From 1997 to 2008, Gunnar served on the Boards of Thule Inc, AmeriServe Food Company, The Swedish American Chamber of Commerce, and Standard Parking. He also served on the RTM of Old Greenwich for many years. Gunnar was an avid reader – especially NYT – of current and foreign affairs. A frequent hitchhiker in the early 70’s, he was fortunate to be picked up by his future wife, Jamie, in San Diego, CA. Friends and family will fondly remember all the dinner parties Jamie and Gunnar hosted. Gunnar loved people, his cheerfulness and enthusiasm were contagious. Gunnar is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jamie, brother Bengt (Kersti), uncle Leonard, niece Jenny (Matt and daughter Kaleigh), nephew Johan (Josefin, daughters Lily and Julie), niece Jessica (Gabriel), brother-in-law Lance (Ina) and many dear friends and extended family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to ALS CT Chapter 4 Oxford Rd., Suite E4 Milford, CT 06460 or ALS.org. A memorial service will be held for family and friends Saturday, June 10, 2023 - 11 am at The First Congregational Church of Greenwich, 108 Sound Beach Ave., Old Greenwich, CT.

Following the Memorial Service, the Reception will be in the church’s auditorium. The Memorial Service is available online https://www.youtube.com/@firstchurchgreenwich/streams