Rodger Willard Kleisch

1952 - 2021

Kleisch, Rodger Willard

October 31, 1952 - August 27, 2021

Dr. Rodger Willard Kleisch, devoted husband, father, grandfather and dear friend peacefully passed away on Friday, August 27, 2021 at Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC. Rodger was an exceptional human being and will be remembered as a friend to so many special people in his life.

Rodger was born October 31, 1952 in Bridgeport, CT and grew up in Roanoke, VA. Rodger obtained his undergraduate degree in 1974 from Hampden-Sydney College in Hampden Sydney, VA. It was there he met his wife, Tresa. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1979 from the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine.

In 1986, Rodger and Tresa, and their two young children, Emily and David, moved to Greensboro, NC, where he established his veterinary practice and they became part of a close community. Their youngest daughter, Kaki, was born in Greensboro. Rodger's priority was always his family; Emily, David and Kaki were his pride and joy. He taught them the value of hard work, commitment, humility and laughter. Every day he was proud of the adults they have become; they were his heart. With his family, Rodger shared a lifetime of happy moments and memories.

Rodger adored his career as a compassionate and skilled veterinarian. He touched many lives through his love and care for animals. It was a great joy to Rodger and Tresa when David joined him in his veterinary practice. Rodger loved his employees at Forest Oaks Animal Hospital and considered them all his extended family.

Rodger was amazed by God and had a deep love for nature. He was an active member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and guided young acolytes in their service for many years. He cherished the adventure of traveling and discovering the uniqueness of new places. He enjoyed caring for his garden and shared that passion with his family. He loved the game of golf, appreciated art, and could always be found listening to music.

He was devoted to his community and to building relationships. Rodger cared deeply for people, and was empathetic to the circumstances that made them who they are. He was the perfect balance of ambition, patience, intellect and selflessness and believed in the goodness of others. He will be remembered as a kind, sweet and humble man who will be deeply missed by so many.

Rodger was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Joseph Kleisch, his mother, Muriel Willard Berry Kleisch, and his sister, Deborah Sue Kleisch.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Tresa Duncan Kleisch; his children, Emily Kleisch Crawford of Greensboro, NC, David Joseph Kleisch and wife, Margaret Ann of Raleigh, NC, and Katherine Anne Kleisch of Greensboro, NC; and his granddaughters, Caroline May Crawford, Anderson Doss Kleisch and Sallie Rodgers Kleisch.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at Duke University Hospital for their kindness and expertise.

There will be a service and celebration of Rodger's life at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 9, 2021. The service will be open to friends and family and held at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church at 607 N. Greene Street, Greensboro, NC 27401. The family will receive friends following the service. Masks will be required at the service and reception.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and to Duke Health in support of the Lung Transplant Director's Fund.

UNC Lineberger Center check contributions to be made payable to UNC Health Foundation with UNC Lineberger and Rodger W. Kleisch in the memo line. Please mail to UNC Health Foundation, ATTN: UNC Lineberger, PO Box 1050, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 or visit https://give.unc.edu/donate to make a secure gift online, noting UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and in memory of Rodger W. Kleisch.

Duke Health, check contributions made payable to Duke Health Development with Lung Transplant Director's Fund and Rodger W. Kleisch in the memo line. Please mail to Duke Health Development, ATTN: Karen Turpin, Box 90581, Durham, NC 27708 or visit https://www.gifts.duke.edu/dukehealth to make a secure gift online, noting Lung Transplant Director's Fund and in memory of Rodger W. Kleisch.

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

Hanes Lineberry N. Elm Chapel

515 N. Elm Street, Greensboro, NC 27401