Josie Anne Rich Kleinman passed away peacefully on October 23, 2021 after a long battle with dementia. She was 83 years old. Josie was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She is known for her love of family, animals, country and her infectious smile.
Josie was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 2, 1938 to Ben Evans Rich and Andree Rejane Neirotti. She was their only child and spent her early years in Centerville, Utah. Later, the family moved to San Francisco, California, where Josie spent her growing up years. Josie was an excellent student and she taught herself the violin and took piano lessons for several years and became an accomplished pianist.
Josie had a happy childhood and was motivated by excellence in everything she did. Josie attended Lowell High School in San Francisco where she graduated with honors. She was a life long member of the California Scholarship Federation (CSF). She attended San Francisco State College where she graduated and earned her teaching credential.
Josie met Lynn W. Kleinman her junior year of college at a church dance in San Francisco. Lynn was a naval officer assigned to Hunter’s Point Naval Shipyard. They were engaged 6 weeks after they met and were sealed three months later in the Los Angeles Temple, November 1, 1958. Shortly after they were married, the newlyweds began a new adventure where Lynn was assigned on a 3 ½ year diplomatic mission with the US Navy to Tokyo, Japan.
While in Japan, Josie gave birth to their first daughter Catherine Anne Kleinman at Tachikawa AFB near Tokyo. In 1962 Lynn left the Navy and the family moved to Sunnyvale, California where they were blessed with three more children: Charles Brent Kleinman, Leslie Lyn Kleinman and Craig Rich Kleinman. The family enjoyed ski trips, beach outings & camping.
Josie is survived by her four children Cathy (Rick) Smith, Brent (Jennifer) Kleinman, Leslie Kleinman, Craig (Kathleen) Kleinman, 14 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren and will be truly missed. Josie was preceded in death by her loving husband, Lynn W. Kleinman. We as her family are grateful to know that their reunion was so sweet.
Services will be held at Wasatch Lawn in Millcreek, Utah on Saturday, October 30, 2021 with a viewing at 10 am and a service & graveside starting at 11 am.
