Paul F. Kleine

Paul Frederick Kleine, 78, of Norman died on July 9, 2013. He was born on January 23, 1935 at home in Hoffman, IL to Fred and Emma Kleine, the youngest of seven children. Paul is survived by his wife of 55 years, Eilene; son, Mark Kleine and wife Sharlene of Norman; daughter, Kathy Crabtree and husband Steve, and grandchildren Trevor and Courtney of Jenks.

After attending Carlyle High School, Paul graduated in 1958 with a degree in Elementary Education from Concordia Teachers College, Seward, Nebraska. After 8 years of teaching Lutheran Elementary students in St. Louis and Frankenmuth, Michigan, Paul attended Washington University where he ultimately received his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. Dr. Kleine taught at the University of Chicago and University of Wisconsin Parkside before coming to the University of Oklahoma as a professor in the College of Education in 1981. While at OU, he was awarded a Fulbright Lectureship and was twice recognized as Outstanding Faculty Member in the College of Education.

After retiring in 1997, Paul was able to expand his opportunities to serve the community. He was a member of University Lutheran Church and on the boards of Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity and East Main Place of Norman. In 2005 Paul took his first of six trips to Tanzania to live out the gospel by building churches and providing clean, accessible water to the people there.

In addition to being an active volunteer, Paul was a loving and attentive husband, father and grandfather. He also was a talented woodworker, a stained glass artist, and was an avid OU and Chicago Cubs fan.

Memorial donations may be made to East Main Place at 1100 E. Main Street, 73071; The OU Foundation, 100 Timberdell Road, 73019-0685; University Lutheran Church at 914 Elm Ave., 73072; or a charity of your choosing.

Services will be held 11:00a.m. Saturday, July 13, at University Lutheran Church in Norman. A graveside service and inurnment will take place in Hoyleton, IL at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Primrose Funeral Service, www.primrosefuneralservice.com.