God wrapped his arms around Bob and took him to his heavenly home on June 1st, 2023, at the age of 95. Born in Lansing, Michigan on March 14th 1928, he was the son of the late Otto and Frieda (Schlaak) Kletke. He will be greatly missed by the love of his life and wife of 21 years, Doris; his children Deborah (Rob Stanaway), Paul (Marie), David (Dusty Fancher), and Jennifer Martin; 10 grandchildren and a growing tribe of great grandchildren.
Bob graduated from Lansing Technical School as a printer apprentice. He went on to serve in the Navy as a medic during World War II and was called back to service a second time during the Korean War. He raised his family in Lansing and had a long and successful career in the paper industry, working at John Henry and Butler Paper. He was a “snowbird” for many years, before finally settling permanently in Florida in 2002.
Bob believed in service, and volunteer work was important to him. He helped raised money to purchase shoes and boots for schoolchildren through the Old Newsboys of Greater Lansing, often joining with his brothers and dressing up as Santa Claus selling their signature spoof paper downtown.
Christmastime was when his blue eyes really twinkled. Playing Santa Claus was his calling, and he took his role seriously. He would grow his mustache and beard all summer and fall in preparation. He even had business cards made up to hand off to unsuspecting children he met through family and friends. Everyone in the neighborhood was excited to see the Kletke Christmas display, where he set up thousands of lights and decorations in his yard. On December weekends you could find him there, sitting in his sleigh and listening to all the kids tell him what they wanted for Christmas.
He was an avid golfer, and his home was on the 10th tee. While weekly league play was serious, he truly enjoyed playing the course with family. Spending time with his wife, son, and grandsons while driving his green and white themed golf cart created lasting memories. Sometimes even wearing his lucky Spartan helmet.
He loved fishing, and it didn’t matter if it was the Grand River, Lake Missaukee, or the Gulf of Mexico. However, watching an alligator chase his catch across the pond of the golf course in his backyard was always good for a story and a laugh.
Bob lived a long and wonderful life loving God, his family, and his community. A graveside service will be held 1PM Saturday, June 10, 2023 at Deepdale Memorial Gardens in Lansing, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Old Newsboys of Greater Lansing.
The family is being serviced by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, Lansing Chapel. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com.
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