obit templateheritagefunera2018-11-29T12:10:12+00:00
John W.
John W.
Klebenow
Visitation: Saturday, November 22nd, 2025, at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME (16880 W. National Ave) from 9 am until time of service at 11 am
Service: Saturday, November 22nd, 2025, at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME (16880 W. National Ave) at 11 am
John W. Klebenow
Born to eternal life on Saturday, October 25th, 2025, at age 86. Beloved father of Peter (George Bernard), David (Mary), Mark (Ehren) Klebenow, and Amelia (Ryan) Casper. Dear grandfather of William (Virginia), Noah, Emma, Edie, and Ella. Brother of the late Marion Freeby and the late Phillip Klebenow. Former husband of the late Ruth (nee Dorow) and the late Linda (nee Nolan). Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 22nd, 2025, at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME (16880 W. National Ave) from 9 am until the time of service at 11 am. Interment to follow at Highland Memorial Park Cemetery.
John was proud to have served in the Army National Guard and worked as an engineer for many years at Falk Corporation, Gammex RMI Incorporated, and Emerson Power Transmission. In his retired life, John enjoyed playing cribbage and sheepshead, working out at the YMCA, and shopping at the Outpost. Besides his family, he dedicated his life to serving the Lord with multiple mission trips around the world.
If so desired, memorials to VCY America
https://vcyamerica.givingfuel.com/donate
I didn’t know him, but his son has been an incredible man in our community
I deeply appreciate his friendship and his support. If I was Peter‘s dad, I would be terribly proud of my son.
Peter May your dad‘s memory. be a blessing
Dear Michael Smearman
Thank you so much for your kind words. It’s heartening to see a friend of Peter’s here.
My name is LEO, and I was the exchange student from China who lived with John back in 2011. John was like a father to me, and he truly changed my life. I have been trying to find a way to reach out to Peter and the family to express my deepest gratitude and share some of the beautiful memories I have of John.
Since you are a friend of Peter, could you please do me a huge favor and let him know I’m looking for him? I would love to connect and share how much his father meant to me.
He can find me on Facebook at Lecong Li . It would mean the world to me to be able to talk to the family.
Thank you again for your help.
Best regards,
During one of my visits to Maryland I had the distinct pleasure of meeting John through my son George Bernard, then a close friend now Peter’s life’s partner, It is said that first impressions are lasting and that chip does not fall far from the block. In this vein although I had only met John once, judging by Peter’s gracious & considerate personality, I have no doubt that John had inculcated strong principles of decency & kindness in raising his family.. Peter exemplifies those values particularly in the concern he had for his father’s comfort during his health challenges. I extend deepest condolences to the family and pray that John’s soul rests in peace eternal.
Indeed I did have the privilege of meeting Mr. Klebenow at his son’s home in Glen Burnie, MD. At the time he was jovial and appeared to be in good health (given his age) and I had hoped to be graced with his company once more. Sadly it was not meant to be, and I pray that he has found eternal peace in the presence of the Almighty.. My heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Klebenow family, especially Peter & George. I know he will be missed. However, hope you will save a place at the table for John at the next family gathering!.
To Peter and family were so deeply saddened for your lost , Please know that we’re here for you in any way you need. Our sincere condolences.
Marc & Towanda. Rsndall
I met John the first week I came to the States. I didn’t know anyone then, and from that day on, he became like family, my only family here in the U.S. He was truly one of a kind.
He bought my kids their first cribbage game and their first coin collection. He was there when I took my oath and became an American citizen. He helped me move into my first home. John was always there — checking in, visiting, and showing up whenever I needed him; encouraging me, lifting my spirit, and always ending our phone calls or visits with a prayer — assuring me that now that we had asked God to help, everything was going to be okay. I have never met anyone like him; his kindness, warmth, and genuine care were truly rare.
I don’t know how I could ever repay all the ways he helped me and my family or the comfort he gave us. I will miss him deeply and will always be grateful for his friendship and the light he brought into our lives
Your father was an exceptional person, full of love and encouraging support for everyone, He was professionally gifted in technical acumen and interpersonal awareness. He had fun every day and served as an incredible mentor to me. I recall his many stories of traveling to San Diego to support his son and supporting his daughter Amelia. He was a proud father and solid human, full of amazing humor.. I’m sorry for your loss!
Dear Peter, David, Mark, and the entire Klebenow family,
My name is Leo, and I was the exchange student from China who lived with John back in 2011. I am writing this from Guangzhou, China, with a heart full of tears and gratitude.
Before meeting John, my experience in the U.S. was very difficult and unhappy. I felt like a stranger in a cold land, with very few moments to cherish. It was John who stepped in and accepted me like a father. He didn’t just give me a place to stay; he gave me a home.
I remember walking into my bedroom one day and being completely stunned—there was a TV that John had personally installed for me. John wasn’t someone who watched much TV himself, but he had noticed my love for basketball. I felt so overwhelmed and deeply moved by that gesture. In front of that small TV, I witnessed Dirk Nowitzki lead the Mavericks to a championship in 2011. It was the safest, most “home-like” moment of my youth.
John’s care for me reached into every corner of my life. I’ll never forget the mornings he took me to farm breakfasts for those “full stack” pancakes with fresh maple syrup—it was a world I had never known. He would go out of his way to buy my favorite corn flakes for breakfast and always arranged delicious salads for me with such precision and care. I can still smell the cookies he baked; he always kept them in a cookie jar, which I thought was the cutest thing about him. We even shared moments of cultural exchange—I remember teaching him about Chinese tea culture and tasting the tea I brought from China together. He was so open-minded and kind.
He was there for my big moments, too. He meticulously ironed my suit for my High School Prom, making sure I looked my best. He even drove me there and stayed up late into the night just to pick me up and ensure I got home safe.
His home was always spotlessly clean, a reflection of his organized and gentle soul. He had birdhouses in his yard, and because of his kind heart, there were always lovely birds singing there. Just now, I saw the video of your family, and it brought back wonderful memories of John taking me to your homes to eat with you all, and the times I spent playing basketball with your sons. Thank you for welcoming me into your family back then.
Not staying in touch with John is the biggest regret of my life. As a realist, I was always afraid that if I sent an email, I might learn he was gone—so I told myself that as long as I didn’t send it, he would live forever in my heart. But seeing this news has broken me. I hope you know that the skinny boy he once took care of has grown up to be a man who carries John’s legacy of kindness every single day.
I don’t know how to reach you, but I hope you see this message. Please find me on Facebook （Lecong Li) so I can properly express my gratitude to your family.
John, thank you for being the light in my world during that cold Milwaukee winter. You will be missed, always. Rest in peace.