Herbert Kleeman

GARRETT - Herbert P. Kleeman, 100, of Garrett, Indiana, passed away on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, at DuPont Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

He was born on Nov. 15, 1924, in Garrett, to Paul and Ella (Groscop) Kleeman.

Herb was a 1942 graduate of Garrett High School.

After high school, Mr. Kleeman honorably served his country in the Third Army, Fourth Armored Division during World War II. He earned two Purple Hearts in the service of his country.

He married Betty L. Vallieu on March 2, 1952, in Auburn. She preceded him in death on Jan. 19, 2010.

Mr. Kleeman worked for Auburn Gear for 36 years, before retiring on Dec. 31, 2003. He also started and managed the Auburn Gear Credit Union and served as its treasurer for many years. During his time at Auburn Gear, Mr. Kleeman also delivered oil on the side, for Standard Oil Company for 20 years. Herb also worked for 12 years as a substitute rural mail carrier.

He was passionate about the city of Garrett where he called home. This was highlighted by being elected to serve as its mayor for 12 years, from 1992 until 2004. The completion of the railroad underpass through downtown Garrett in the summer of 2000, which was named the Herb Kleeman Underpass, was among his many accomplishments while in office. He was also one of the founding members of the Garrett Boys Baseball League and volunteered his time at Garrett Recycling Center. Herb was also passionate about golf and was an avid player and member of the Garrett Country Club.

Herb was an active member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Garrett for many years, where he taught Sunday school and served as an Elder.

He was also a member of the Rotary Club of Garrett and Garrett Lions Club. He was a lifetime member of Garrett American Legion Post 178, VFW Post 1892 in Garrett and the DAV, and he served on the board of directors of Alliance Industries in Garrett.

Survivors include his sons and daughters-in-law, Tom and Evie Kleeman, of Garrett, Michael Kleeman, of Auburn and Patrick and Debbie Kleeman, of Garrett; daughters, Deb Kleeman, of Garrett and Terry Hornburg, of Oak Lawn, Illinois; seven grandchildren, Adam and Randee Kleeman, Zechariah Kleeman (Nicole Stalter), Natalie and Tim Buckley, Emily Hornburg (Dale Zawada), Nathan Kleeman (Jama Campbell), Andrew Kleeman and Maura Terry; 12 great-grandchildren, Addisyn, Jaivyn, Kynzie, Breyton, Elsie, Patrick, Maggie, Jacob, Julia, Matthew, Klarissa and Kendra; sister-in-law, Judy Kleeman, of Garrett; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members.

Herb was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty Kleeman; one grandson, Jared Kleeman; brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Roselyn Kleeman; brother, Harold Kleeman; and son-in-law, Arthur Hornburg.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, from 4-8 p.m., at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 S. Center St., Auburn.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1349 S. Randolph St., Garrett, with the Rev. Keaton Christiansen officiating.

Additional visitation will be held on Friday morning at the church, one hour prior to the funeral service from 10-11 a.m.

Burial with military honors will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Auburn.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Herb to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Garrett, 1349 S. Randolph St., Garrett, IN 46738, and to St. Martin's Healthcare, 1359 S. Randolph St., Garrett, IN 46738.

Condolences may be sent to the family at fellerandclark.com and on our Facebook page at Feller and Clark Funeral Home.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Feller and Clark Funeral Home in Auburn.