Jeffrey Edward Kleine

Jeffrey Edward "Ebab" Kleine of Wauwatosa, WI, was welcomed into his Lord's loving arms on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. He was born in Milwaukee on March 8, 1964 to Dorene (nee Ehlert) and the late Edward Kleine and was the youngest of their four children. He is survived by loving wife Jan (nee Kolberg), daughter Lilly, son Don, stepchildren Ryan (Ami) Blatter, Jordan (Erin) Blatter, Sarah (Luke) Federici, mother Dorene, siblings Gary(Susan) and Laurie Miller. He was a loving "Bumpy" to grandchildren Reid, Benjamin and Olivia, Jack and Sam, and Halle. Also survived by an aunt, an uncle, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Jeff was preceded in death by father Edward and brother Tommy.
Jeffy spent his young life excelling in sports. He participated in Tosa Little League, Christ King basketball, and played for the University of Illinois as a quarterback. Among his many accomplishments are winning the coveted Padre Serra, earning endless ice cream sundaes for hitting home runs, and walking proudly onto the field at both the Rose Bowl and the Liberty Bowl for the Fighting Illini. He spent his college years as any young man would, embracing mischief at every turn. He graduated with a degree in finance from the University of Illinois - Champaign Urbana. Upon graduation he began his career as a lowly advisor for Paine Weber and quickly rose through their ranks. He moved on to work at UBS and eventually retired from Wells Fargo. Jeffy never focused on the "big fish" accounts, but was very passionate about helping the everyday employee secure a comfortable retirement.
Jeffy met Jan on the opening day of Summerfest in 2002. His "pick up line" was both magical and comedic at the same time. The sparks flew beneath the fireworks that night and by Thanksgiving they were both head over heels. They sealed their union twice: First on Makena Beach on the island of Maui and then in the Catholic Church. They always saw the Catholic blessing to be the most important because their faith was the core of their relationship. They discovered a shared passion for cooking, traveling to far lands, and they soon realized time without the other was never as fun as the time spent being hand in hand. They would sing the words of Jack Johnson: "I'll tell you one thing, it's always better when we're together". After years of begging Jan to retire, she finally relented this past June, and he immediately booked a whirlwind 10 day trip through Europe for them. Then, in typical Jeffy style, he kept extending the trip until it reached a full three weeks. The time spent together on that trip lit a travel flame in both their hearts and they started planning several more adventures.
If you ever happened to drive by on North Avenue you'd often find Jeffy outside with his gardening clippers carefully pruning and tending to his beloved salsa garden. He gave words of encouragement to "Shishido Sue" and "Poblano Pete" and often rolled his eyes at his lackluster tomatoes. He eventually declared the upper balcony "The Oasis" (emphasis on that last "s"). He enjoyed his time there so much that he began curating "porch" instruments and would often require visitors to pick up a set of spoons, a small steel drum, or a colorful kazoo and join in the song. He also enjoyed waving at and talking to all of the drivers who passed by and it gave him a childlike joy when drivers honked.
Anyone who knew Jeff knew of his passion for the game of golf. If he didn't have a tee time each week during the warm months, it made him a little crabby. He claimed that the sweetest sound in the world, outside of his wife's laugh, was the sound of the ball dropping into the cup. He was a proud member of the Brown Deer Men's Club. He organized the Annual Jeff & Jeff tournament and he frequently would win several other outings during the season. His daughter, Lilly, made him a sign "go and Jeff Jeff" and despite the grammatical mistake, he proudly hung it on his golf cart and kept it hanging up to this day. His golf buddies quickly became extended family and combining golf and travel was a win win in his book. While a hole in one eluded him on the course, he claimed that his real "hole in one" was his family.
While he loved sports, his true passion was his family - his children, stepchildren, and especially grandchildren. He always inquired what family was "up to" and never missed an opportunity to book a dinner, plan a trip, or schedule a fun event for everyone to participate in. When his father passed, he took over finances for his mother, insuring her needs were met. He cared tenderly for her over the past 8 years. Jeff was proud to serve the Church along side his father as a Knight of Columbus, even winning the Father/Son award one year. He enjoyed wearing his coaching hat: high school football in Grafton and Junior Hilltoppers at Marquette High School. He learned how to play volleyball to help coach his son during elementary and middle school and, of course, could be found calling funky trick plays for the basketball team. You could also find him in the stands at his daughter's swim meets, loudly cheering her on. He was the proudest and loudest father in the stands. Jeff loved to travel a lot. His wife and children will cherish their days together on the Jamaican beach, hiking in Yosemite, and stomping around Europe or even a simple weekend adventure.
Years ago, Jeff returned to his faith with a fevered passion. He and his wife led small Bible study groups and recommitted to helping at the church. He belonged to a men's group at Christ King and during one Lenten season, decided to make meals for the Guest House in Milwaukee. What started as a Lenten journey, continued on to his last days. Tirelessly planning, ordering, and making meals with his fellow church members soon became a weekly and biweekly joy for him. He'd collect hats, scarves, and socks for the men at the shelter. He'd attend their graduations and celebrate their successful independence and he would pray with them during their struggles. He eventually began organizing a yearly Brewer Baseball outing for the shelter residents during the Ball Park Day of Faith. Jeff would buy tickets, coordinate bus rides, and would always make sure to treat those who are marginalized as Jesus would: with compassion and kindness. Jeffy lived his life with chronic pain due to old injuries, but he soldiered on and made sure the fun times never stopped. If Jeff entered a room of strangers he was sure to leave it with at least 3-4 new best friends. He loved without hesitation. His presence filled the room and his hugs were THE BEST! He was an amazing comfort to those whowere hurting and always had a way of brightening even the darkest moments of life. He made people laugh until they cried and could always be found cooking his way into people's hearts and stomachs. He was known to love a good color-coordinated pedicure and it became a standing request from others to "show us your toes". He never turned down anything chocolate, a bowl of late night ice cream, or a cold Miller Lite over ice.
Even in death Jeff helped to improve the lives of others through organ donation.
Jeff's family would like to thank Dr. Kurpad and the staff of Froedtert Hospital, especially nurses Nicole and Harrison.
The family requests Memorial Donations be submitted to:
Christ King Parish
for: Guest House Meal Program/Jeff Kleine
2604 N Swan Blvd, Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Jeff loved a good Hawaiian shirt or anything blue. Please feel free to wear either.
Visitation Friday, December 27 at CHRIST KING CATHOLIC CHURCH 2604 N. Swan Blvd., Wauwatosa from 8:00 AM until Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM with Eulogies starting at 10:15 AM.
This funeral was recorded.
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