my heartfelt condolences and prayers to the kleinfeld family  i had mr kleinfeld for stage crew my freshman year of high school  at Maine East  he was a kind person  with a great sense of humor that loved to make us that were his students laugh

So sad to learn of Rogers passing. Had the privilege to meet him only a very few times but always a great guy and good raconteur. Deepest sympathies, Amy, to you and all your family at this difficult time.

When I learned of Mr. Kleinfeld's passing, my mind was flooded with such happy memories of V-Shows and dance concerts where he shared his considerable talents and humor with all of us.  One could not help but learn from his good example.  His big booming voice only amplified his kindness and good nature.  My heartfelt condolences to all of his family and friends.  He blessed so many.

Mr. K was a very special person and will never be forgotten.

Roger and I worked together on many, many V-shows, Orchesis dance concerts, and spring musicals.  Roger was the best tech person I ever worked with.  Roger was a great help in making dance concerts better and always offered good suggestions on sets and lighting.  All the time keeping his sense of humor He was always cheerful in spite of long days and late rehearsals. He was one of my most favorite people in all of my years  Condolences to his family. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. Betty Fisher

My heart goes out to Bonnie and the Kleinfeld family. Having talked to Roger two weeks before he died, I was totally shocked and saddened by his passing. Saddened isn't a strong enough word. I joined the teaching staff of the Fine Arts Department in 1985. Roger was a kind, witty, generous, sarcastic, and insightful mentor and friend. He was the kind of guy who always had your back. Roger was a problem solver. He helped me in so many ways - so many acts of kindness. One October day after school during my first year at East, Roger dropped by the TV studio. As I was new to the job, he wanted to see how I was holding up. We talked awhile and then he gazed at the haphazard lighting grid and said to me, "We need to fix this." We. Not you. Then he said, "I've got some ideas. What are you doing this Saturday?" Taken by surprise I replied, "Nothing much." He quickly added, "With a little help from a couple of techie and broadcasting students, I think we can assemble a 3-point lighting system that's manageable for all 3 sets. Right now it's a mess." That Saturday along with some wonderful student helpers, we got the job done. At the time Roger barely knew me, yet he gave up his Saturday to organize a project that helped the broadcasting program. Often when I would drop by the theater or his office, I would see Roger talking to an administrator or a teacher requesting this or that for an upcoming event. In his calm, reassuring voice,  I would overhear Roger say, "What do you need? What can I help you with?" If I had a dollar for every time I heard Roger  ask those two questions... Roger was a man of many skills - the Liam Neeson of Maine East. He could act, sing, dance, improvise, build a set, repair an audio mixer, and speak eloquently at a school board meeting. I did not see him operate a bulldozer, but I'm sure he could. He had such a huge heart. We became good friends and continued to see each other regularly after we both retired from East. I cherished those times together. I see him now... racing up to the second balcony of the theater to adjust the huge, heavy and bulky spotlight; a spotlight that he shined on others and not himself.  Love you, Roger. Jim Wunderlich

Mr. Klienfeld was one of my favorite and memorable teachers while I attended Maine East Hight School, 1979-1983.  Fond memories working on set crew for plays, while under his supervision.   He had friends in Second City and organized an all day field trip for those in drama classes, 1980.  We were excused from classes, for “field trip”, having permission slips signed by each of our teachers, excusing us for this hands-on learning experience. We all spent the day and lunch break together in the theater.  The Second City people worked with us and broke out into various workshops. We learned about improvs, worked on delivery, mini performances, critiqued them, etc.   By far, the most memorable school field trip experience!  Maureen (McEvilly) Carmody Class 1983

From 08/1992 - 06/1996: I had Mr. Kleinfeld as a mentor for both Stage & Production Crew & One thing he told me specifically is that I should not give up the good & positive fight to make things great & positive & I took that advice very seriously for years after Thanks for the memories Mr. Kleinfeld. Jessica Gould

I was on the Maine East High School staff during most of the time that Roger was there.  I was shocked and saddened to learn of his passing.  He was an outstanding teacher but also a major force in creating countless theatrical productions for the students, the staff, and the community to enjoy.  Beyond the theatrical productions, he managed the use of the school auditorium for every purpose.  He set the stage for and monitored events for student government, for matters related to student safety and welfare, for college and career information, for graduation and awards ceremonies, and for guest speakers (from poets to politicians...including Hillary Clinton with major Secret-Service requirements).  These events worked because Roger was a thorough, conscientious planner with skills related to lighting, sound, and stage arrangements.  He came to the rescue when technical problems arose during an event.  He literally benefited EVERYONE at Maine East.  Most important:  He was a nice guy.

So sorry to hear of Mr. K's passing.  He was a wonderful teacher and I enjoyed putting on many productions with him at Maine East on the crew.

Mr. Kleinfeld was a warm, generous soul who helped me (and hundreds of others, literally) find the confidence to stand in the spotlight and be heard.  One of the all-time great high school teachers (and mentors).  I will never forget him

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Kleinfeld.  I was just talking about him the other day to my son!   I had him for drama class. It was one of my favorite classes.   Class was held in the auditorium and one day as I was bending over to pick something up I heard a loud voice yell across the entire room, "I wish I had a pea shooter!" LOL   Another great memory... Julie Weiss and I were doing a skit for a grade and could not stop laughing. Mr. Kleinfeld let us laugh for about 5 minutes before telling us to sit down. I still have the paper that he gave me with our grades and comments on it!         R.I.P. Mr. Kleinfeld ❤

Our prayers and thoughts are with you Bonnie and your family. Brian and Liz Sandholm ( Marsiglio)

Bonnie and Family, I’m so sorry for the loss of your husband.   You’re in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.  I still have great memories of fun times as neighbors years ago. JoAnn (Marsiglio) Bredar

It is with heavy heart that I write this.  My deepest condolences go out to Roger’s family and loved ones.  I attended MEHS 1976-80 and had the great privilege of being Roger’s student for 4 memorable years.  He was a phenomenal acting teacher, set and lighting designer, craftsman and an all-around great guy.  Funny, quick-witted and respected.  I’d like to share just a few memories: The first day of acting class, Freshman year, Roger stood at his podium slowly running his fingers through his auburn beard while giving us a stern, studied gaze and said in his rich-baritone voice, “If you think this is going to be an easy credit, you best drop this course right now.”  Boy, he wasn’t kidding. Whenever we’d get out of hand, he would shout something like, “YOU HORSE’S PATOOT – what are you guys doing?!” (this cracked me up).  One time when I was sitting on the stage floor, painting the bottom of a set piece, I slid myself backwards to take a look at the work and a patch tiny wooden slivers got lodged in my butt cheek.  After Roger called me a “HORSE’S PATOOT” he immediately escorted me to the bathroom and gently, with great care, removed the slivers one by one with a tweezer and a flashlight - all the while making sarcastic remarks as I belly laughed my fears away.  I was in pain and he knew exactly how to ease my discomfort with his humor.  He went way above and beyond the call of duty that day.  He always stressed the importance of respecting the art of theater and its surroundings - constantly reminding us to “WEAR A T-SHIRT!” so as not to destroy the costume pieces (especially for those of us who sweat profusely).  He taught us handy, abbreviated stage notations that I still use when quickly jotting down director’s notes in a script.  He was very particular on how to properly wash and maintain paint brushes - methods I carry with me to this day.  Whenever he would demonstrate or recite segments of a script, we would get a glimpse of his wonderful talent – a superb actor.  I can see him now walking down the hallways after a long day’s work, wearing his brown, 1970’s polyester flared-bottom pants, chomping on a piece of gum, while a batch of keys fastened to his waist-belt jingled and jangled throughout the empty corridors, muttering something hilarious under his breath.  A lovable character.  It seemed he held the keys to every door in Maine East and the keys to many hearts.  Thank you, Mr. Kleinfeld, it was indeed a privilege to have known you.  Michael D.

We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father.  You are in our thoughts and prayers today.  The Wellington family

My heartfelt condolences, Kleinfeld family. I am a ME '83 graduate and to say that Mr. Kleinfeld had a profound impact on my life is an understatement. Oh, the many life lessons he taught me! An unapologetic theater geek, I had the privilege of being an actor under his direction numerous times, an assistant director at his side, and the V-Show '83 director under his guidance. He was a straight shooter, often tough, yet kind and compassionate, always leading with his affectionate brand of sarcasm. How else could this entirely self-conscious teenaged girl always hear the warmth in his nickname for her: "Rotten Cotton." Last night at my dinner table, I toasted Mr. Kleinfeld and told my now-high-schooler sons about my beloved teacher. They'll be lucky to one day have similar feelings about an educator. Mr. Kleinfeld's guidance and extreme care influenced so many of us. He mattered. His loss is being felt deeply and his life will be celebrated for years to come. May his memory be a blessing to you always. With love and gratitude, Diane "Rotten Cotton"

Dear Bonnie and children,  I was sorry to hear of Roger's passing, and was glad to hear that you got to have a special moment with him. Your mother and her mini me, ie you were two of the sweetest women I ever met.  Even though I was very young, I remember your presence was kind and comforting. I am sure through the years, that Roger felt that you were a wonderful wife and companion to him. Someday you will be reunited with him, and it will be sweet. With love,  Sheila Jordan Harding

Mr. Kleinfeld, as I’m still fondly used to calling him after so many years, will always remain a prominent fixture of my Maine East high school years in the late 80’s.  He was a wonderful mentor during all those productions with such kindness and wit.   My mother, Kay Heinz, worked at the school as a bookkeeper and always passed on a hello from him during those years as well as in retirement at the monthly breakfasts.   As a student that greatly respected him, I feel that Roger had what I can call a loving firmness.  Simultaneously guiding us as friend and leader.  I learned a lot from him, but most of all was how to treat others with respect.  He will be missed, but always remembered.  Thank you, Roger.

Mr. Kleinfeld you will be missed so much. I enjoyed tech class so much. I will always remember all the plays I did in high school. Thank you for everything you taught me.

Dear Bonnie and family,  I am so sorry for your loss.  I remember Roger as a sweet and kind young husband.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Bonnie and family, I was sorry to hear about Roger. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. With Sympathy and Friendship, BettyAnn Henderson

I was a student at Maine East ‘76-‘80, and remember Mr Kleinfeld with great fondness. He was kind and talented and hilarious. He had a powerful positive impact on the lives of many, many people and I am truly sorry for the Kleinfeld family’s loss. May his memory always be a blessing.

Mr. Kleinfeld was a part of many wonderful memories from high school. M deepest condolences to his family.

Fresh out of college I joined the teaching staff of the drama department at Maine East in 1973.  Roger took me under his wing and helped me manage my way with the first full blown theater set design and build in my first year.   Without his guidance and patience,  I would not have succeeded.   We became good friends and fishing buddies.  I owe a great deal to him.  He was loved by students and teachers alike.

Roger Kleinfeld was the most important teacher in my life.  His guidance and encouragement led me to more than  a decade as a professional stagehand and theatrical technician.   He was warm, funny, sarcastic and respectful of his students.   He was a good designer and problem solver.  My favorite memory is when he purchased a paint spray gun for painting stencils on flats to mimic wallpaper.  The joy and happiness on his face as he opened that box was priceless.   When I asked to see it,  he clutched the spray head to his body, turned swiftly away and proclaimed" I'm not done playing with it. "  To his family and friends, please know that many hold Roger in high regard, and we feel for your loss.  End scene.

My deep sympathies on the passing of Mr. Kleinfeld. He was my favorite teacher at Maine East. What a wonderful man and encourager. He was so respectful and always challenged us to do our best with our talents. Mr. Kleinfeld was a wonderful cheerleader and advocate. My prayers and sympathies go out to the entire Kleinfeld family.

My heart goes out to his family and friends. Mr. Kleinfeld was my drama teacher for two years at Maine East 1974-1976. I was never any good at drama, 🤣🤣🤣 but he sure made the class fun. He was one of my favorite teachers in high school. ❤️❤️❤️

Mr K was one in a million. I always enjoy his classes and his sense of humor was the best. My condolences to his family. Maine East class of ‘79.

Mr. Kleinfeld was such a good teacher and a wonderfully talented actor. I still remember many of the funny things you called us when we committed a theatrical faux pas. There was the "sheep dog" when we didn't get our hair out of our face. There was "rat breath" when we stood a mile apart during a conversation scene. You made a lasting impression on so many students.

The world has lost an amazing man. I was a student of Mr K’s in the 80s and I can honestly say I use something he taught me each and every day. I will cherish always his humor, support and friendship though it has been many years since I have seen him in person, I have thought of him often. I think of his children who he often brought to Saturday “crew” and offer my sympathies to the Kleinfeld family.

A truly wonderful man with a great sense of humor. Kind, sensitive, and wanted his students to be successful in whatever they wanted to do in life. My sincere condolences to his family and those who love him.  His students were very blessed indeed.

We have always been grateful for the influence Mr Kleinfeld had on my son’s career. May his memory be for a blessing.

Mr Kleinfeld you had such a presence about you back in the mid to late 70’s while I was at Maine East. Drama /Theater class  with you and Mr Jeffers was my favorite class.  Thank you for being such a great teacher.   RIP.

What a super individual, friend, teacher besides, grandfather, father and husband.  Always cheerful and ready for a good laugh and fun.  I had the privilege of teaching music to his  children and became  friends.  Roger and Bonnie even made trips to Michigan and would stop to visit.  I thank God for Roger and all of the lives that he has touched in teaching and while being with us.  What a lucky family.  God Bless.  Shirley Hipwell.  🙏🏻 ❤️

So sorry to hear of Roger’s passing.  He was a wonderful neighbor and an even better person.  Our sincere condolences to Bonnie, Jen, Amy, Valerie, Scott and all your families.    Craig, Kim,  Mark, Matthew and Madison Schaefges

OBITUARY

George Roger Kleinfeld

May 30, 1945 – February 23, 2021

Glueckert Funeral Home

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