Obituary: Robert Kleinsmith

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A funeral service for Robert Gail “Bob” Kleinsmith, 81, of East Moline, was held at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 19, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Moline, with Rev. Peter Bredlau officiating. Burial was in Rock Island National Cemetery. Visitation was Sunday, Aug. 18, from 2-5 p.m. at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline. 

Mr. Kleinsmith died Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019, in East Moline.

Robert Kleinsmith was born Oct. 5, 1937, in DeWitt, the son of Maurice and Rose Witt.

He was a U.S. Army veteran.

He married Patricia Weigandt Hoffman on Dec. 23, 1988, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Moline.

He was a member of the Eldridge Jaycees and Ducks Unlimited.

The following was written by Bob, and at his request included in his obituary: “You said I should have been a lawyer. I remind you I was a construction form setter and foreman before age 20. Sergeant in the Army, homeowner, cleaners and Laundromat owner, manager of a water company, professional sign painter before age 30. Homebuilder and land developer with five subdivisions, used truck parts dealer, and again rental property owner after age 30. When the hell did I have time to be a lawyer?”

He enjoyed dancing with Pat, fishing, camping, playing cards and watching NASCAR; he also enjoyed watching the horse and dog races. He was also very proud of having authored a book. Above all was his love for his family and the Boston Red Sox.

Survivors include his wife, Pat; his children, Kimberly (Brent) Gale, Wailea, Hawaii, Rob Kleinsmith, Cedar Rapids, Karinna (Jonathan) Lee, Hattiesburg, Miss., and Ryan (Roxanne) Kleinsmith, Coralville; his stepchildren, Andrea (Kevin) Baker, Davenport, Kai Greko, Chatsworth, Calif., and Travis Greko and Blair Greko, both of Rock Island; nine grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; his sisters, Joan (Charles) Headley and Millie (Dave) Berhenke; and a brother, Maurice Lee (Bern) Kleinsmith.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, John.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Genesis Hospice and the VA Clinic for the wonderful care.

Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.esterdahl.com. 

 

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