Steven M. Kleiner

mr.kleiner, mrs.kleiner, r.k., and rick,
i remember seeing steve on the very last night before i left for the gambia. he gave me a huge hug and we said goodbye. i will never forget steve- we all grew up together. rude, im so sorry that i couldnt be there. im so sorry for your loss.

I feel, as many others do, that a part of my life--namely my adolescence, has gone away.
I remember being 15 and being so amazed by Steve's charm and his ability to make the most minute incidents hysterical. The most incredible thing is that, although I hadn't seen Steve much in recent years, through our brief encounters, his charm and humor remained such endearing qualities.
I remember the care he took as an artist;the look of pride on his face when a tattoo was completed....

Mr. & Mrs. Kleiner - In meeting you at the funeral, I have a greater insight into how Steve became the great guy he was. My parents are both deceased and I have no family here in Chicago to speak of. I spent this past Christmas evening with Steve and several friends. Steve said something that night which comforted me greatly....he said that as long as I had himself and the rest of our friends - I HAD A GREAT FAMILY.
I will never forget that...and I hope this gives you a little more...

Steve, I can't stop thinking about you. It really hurts to know you are gone and I'm really having a hard time saying goodbye.
I will forever be thinking of you and wishing you were still around to bring a smile to our faces.
That person is right, life will never be the same without you.

Steve was a sweet happy go lucky man. He will be missed. He is now in that big tattoo shop in the sky.

From those of us at Exit, We'll miss you and we love you. Exit won't be the same without you. Goodbye, Steve.

Steve, your wonderful smile and infectious laugh will truely be missed... I will always remember you. nooch.

I have a picture from last year at Smartbar where Steve and I are laughing. I have a picture from ten years ago at a party where Steve and I are laughing. I loved Steve because years could pass and me having gotten married, had a kid and then divorced, took me away from the social outings that i used to attend. Seeing Steve made it seem like i hadnt missed a minute. The last time I was with him we hugged for a long time and talked about everything. I cannot tell how happy I am that I had that...

i cannot find the words to express the loss we have all suffered. to the kleiner family - your son gave me a lot, he was my silly, introspective rock and his smile, laugh and sincerity will never be replaced.
our hearts are broken, but i know that he is in a better place.