Eugene "Gene" Kleemann

Gene was born in Jettenbach, Germany in 1924. At the age of 8, he immigrated to the United States with his parents, Elfriede and Karl, to Michigan. Gene graduated from Cass Tech High School in 1943, then immediately joined the Navy. He served his country proudly for 5 years over 2 stints between 1943 and 1953, earning the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. His last assignment was during the Korean War aboard the USS Perry as Chief Engineer before receiving an honorable discharge in June, 1953. In between stints, Gene not only earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1946, but started his career at Chrysler as a student engineer while earning his Master's Degree in Automotive & Electrical Engineering through Chrysler Institute of Engineering.

After joining the civilian ranks, Gene enjoyed a 30-year career at Chrysler Corporation. During his time at Chrysler, Gene took on number of assignments that took him all over the world. He spent several years abroad, working in Australia, England and Germany in various management capacities. In his spare time, Gene was active in a number of organizations, such as the Society of Automotive Engineers, Men's Club at First Presbyterian Church of Mount Clemens, North Channel Yacht Club, the Shriners and the Masons. He also enjoyed playing tennis and even served as an instructor at Macomb Community College. During his retirement, Gene found both new passions and love to keep him going. Gene has helped sponsor a number of projects at the Village of East Harbor, First Presbyterian Church and the Great Lakes Division Sea Cadets. He entered into a partnership with Motor City Golf and purchased Flushing Valley Golf Course where he and his wife, Maria, spent the past several summers working with his partners.

Gene was preceded in death by his mother and father. Gene is survived by his wife Maria, stepsons James (Shannon) and Jac Hopson, grandchildren Sarah, Grace, and Matthew, and his loyal dog Fritz.

A visitation will take place on Friday, December 27, 2019 from 10 AM until time of funeral service at 12 PM, at the Village of East Harper Chapel, 33875 Kiely Drive, Chesterfield, MI 48047. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.resurrectionfuneralhome.com.