Leota S. Kleber

Leota S. Kleber, 91, longtime resident of South Haven died Wednesday, November 15 at Timber Ridge Senior Assisted Living in East Lansing where she lived for the past six years.

She was born June 6, 1921 and raised on a farm near Alpena, Michigan to John and Bernice (Dziesinski) Szymanski. She was the youngest of nine children. Leota met her future husband of 50 years, John Kleber, at a roller skating rink. They married September 11, 1938. While John attended medical school and then served overseas during World War II, Leota worked as a department store buyer of children’s clothes in Detroit, Michigan and Albany, New York. After the war they traveled the country to find the perfect spot to live. They settled in South Haven in 1948. Besides being a loving wife, mom and grandma, Leota was a great cook and loved to entertain, often throwing together a last-minute fish dinner for twelve or more of their friends. She was an excellent housekeeper and loved tinkering in the yard. Despite her small stature, there wasn’t a job in or around the house she couldn’t tackle. She had s passion for golf, and she loved to shop, especially for shoes. In her later years and while she was still able, not a day went by that Leota didn’t attend mass at St. Basil’s and take a walk down North Shore Drive, visiting with everyone along the way. She had a quiet demeanor until you heard her sing. And she always had a smile for everyone to the end.

She is preceded in death along with her parents by her husband – Dr. John Kleber who died in 1988.Three brothers – Edward, Clarence and Felex. Five sisters – Nell, Laura, Lucille, Blondyna and Clara.

She is survived by her daughter– Mary (Robert) Hoppes and a son – John Patrick (Carol) Kleber. Two grandchildren – Greer Kleber and Jaxon Kleber. A special friend and caregiver – Hilde Szymczak, whom Leota met later in life. They became fast friends and together shared many a laugh, meal and walk down to the river to feed the ducks. Leota was also blessed to be on the receiving end of much love and excellent care at the Timber Ridge Senior Assisted Living Facility in East Lansing. She truly felt safe and at home there.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, November 18 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Basil Catholic Church with Monsignor Eugene Sears officiating. Family will receive friends from 9 – 11 prior to the service at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery, South Haven. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Basil Church/ The Vision Continues. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guest book at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.

The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South haven 637-0333.