George F. Kleitz

George Kleitz, 99, of Warrenville, passed away September 13, 2025, just shy of 100 years old! He was the beloved partner of Jacqueline Deutsch, proud father of Kathryn (Ed) Gudonis, loving grandfather of Jennifer (Michael) Chiappetta, dear great-grandfather of Grace and Amelia, and fond great-uncle of Andrea Smith. He was also a wonderful stepfather to Dave (Laura) Deutsch and Mike (Debbie) Deutsch, and step-grandfather to Daniel (Monica) Deutsch, Krysta (Luke) Blackmon, Von (Lexie) Deutsch, Luke (Cassi) Deutsch and their children Winslow and Winona, Kendall (Matt) Bull and their children Jack and Ellery, and Alex and Michaela Kogan. Additionally, he was loved by many, many others who considered him a treasured part of their lives! George was preceded in death by his two sons, James and Richard, the mother of his sons, Patricia, his sister, Patricia, and his parents, Jack and Irene.

George was born in Cumberland, Maryland, and he spent his early years enjoying the Delaware "shore," where he developed his love of the ocean and walking the beach. He moved to the Midwest and graduated from Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, playing football for the Hilltoppers. In 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and proudly served our country during the second World War, fighting in France, Germany and the Philippines. He then attended and graduated from Beloit College in Wisconsin, going on to receive a Master's degree in Modern European History from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Although encouraged to get his PhD and teach, he opted for the creative world of advertising and became a "Mad Man" on Michigan Avenue, making this his lifelong profession. George owned several ad agencies, specializing in outdoor advertising, and he continued a successful writing career into his later years. He was instrumental in mentoring others and had a special heart for helping young people to follow their passion and assist them in writing essays that reflected their worth.

George was very fond of animals of all kinds, especially dogs, and he was Jacquie's "right hand man" in her pet-sitting business, which they operated together for over 40 years. George unconditionally loved every pet they owned (and there were many!) and he could often be seen walking their two Great Danes down the street, cuddling his favorite Shih Tzu on his lap, holding their Capuchin monkey Jackie or sitting with their beloved Lab at his feet.

George loved to read, write, eat sweets, watch the Cubs and Bears, tell stories about the war, and he was well-versed on most any subject. His non-judgmental demeanor made him a favorite with many – there is no one who didn't benefit from his welcoming smile and hearty laugh. George loved to travel, and though he visited many different countries, his favorite destination was any place with hot sun, water and a beach! His trips to Mexico and Florida with Jacquie were lifetime highlights, and most people will remember George in swim trunks declaring "this is the life!" He lived a life of easy-going happiness surrounded by the people he loved and who loved him back.

A celebration of George's 100 year-old life will be on Saturday, October 11, from 9am until the time of service at 11:30am at Williams-Kampp Funeral Home, 430 E. Roosevelt Road, Wheaton (one block east of Naperville Road). Burial will be with full military honors at Fort Sheridan National Cemetery near Lake Forest on Tuesday, October 14 at 1:00pm.

If you would like to make a gift in honor of George, the family suggests a donation to Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, 433 S. Carlton, Wheaton, 60187 https://www.helpaveteran.org or Naperville Area Humane Society, 1620 W. Diehl Rd, Naperville, IL 60563 https://www.naperhumane.org.