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Grover Richard Klemmer

1946 - 2017

BORN

1946

DIED

2017

About

Lincoln High School Abraham Lincoln High School San Jose State University

Grover Klemmer Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Grover Richard Klemmer
Start: 2018-01-13T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Marines' Memorial Club

Grover Richard Klemmer

February 8th, 1946 - December 22nd, 2017

Rich fought a fierce battle with prostate cancer for over 6 years with his characteristic dignity and strength.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sandra Morris Klemmer (whom he met on a blind date right after being commissioned a second lieutenant); 4 wonderful children and their spouses, Richard (Stacy), Anna Robinson (RJ), Ellen Murff (Ryan) and Laura Haight (JD); 8 adored grandchildren, Carson, Haley, Nathan, Josie, Emily, Della, Margot and River. He also leaves behind many other family members. He was predeceased by his parents, Grover and Elaine Klemmer.

Raised in San Francisco, he was the quintessential native son and Californian spending summers at Summer Home Park on the Russian River and eventually living in Piedmont and Oakland. He attended West Portal Elementary, Aptos Junior High, Lincoln High School and City College of San Francisco. He graduated from San Jose State in 1968 and while there was the captain of the cross country and track teams. With the Vietnam War looming, he joined the Marine Corps, telling his mother that since he had to go, he was going with the best! He served 6 years on active duty with jobs ranging from platoon tank commander to Marine Corps track coach.
Rich then went to University of San Francisco Law School, graduating in 1977. While in law school, he was a law clerk for the Alameda County District Attorney's Office and subsequently had his entire legal career of 35 years there as a prosecutor—from the courtroom to mentoring to administration.
When Rich went to law school in 1974, he also joined the US Marine Corps Reserve—a move that had so many purposes: his love of the Marine Corps, a growing family that needed "shoes" and a desire to always protect the country he felt so glad to have been born in. He retired with the rank of Colonel and had many billets from Battalion commander to NATO attaché in Brussels.
Above all Rich (Dad and Grandpa) was an amazing family man. In a family of "swirling chaos", he was the ever present calm and thoughtful advisor. He was always there for his family with love and support through thick and thin, even the teen years! He coached various teams for his children and spent many hours sitting in the stands watching them participate in one sport or another, a joyful habit he continued with his grandchildren. He was a devoted husband and a pillar of strength to Sandi.
We can't imagine our lives without Rich, but he has given us all so many memories and the fortitude to carry his legacy forward. We have been so blessed by his life.

A celebration of Rich's life with be held Friday, January 12th at 4pm at the Marines' Memorial Club, 609 Sutter St, San Francisco with a reception following. If planning on attending, please email [email protected].
A private interment will be held at the Sacramento National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his name to the Marines Memorial Association, 609 Sutter, San Francisco 94102 or the 100 Club of Alameda County (helping families of fallen firefighters and police officers of Alameda County),767 Brannan Place, Concord, CA 94518

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jan. 4 to Jan. 8, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Grover Klemmer

11 Entries

January 12, 2018

Richard was the epitome of class, dignity and professionalism. He was genuine and a pleasure to be around. A kind soul. Gone way too soon.
Larry Goodman

Rich Klemmer, centerxleft, in blue sport coat.

Roy Tuason

January 12, 2018

Colonel Klemmer was the classiest of gentlemen. In 1985 and 1986, with Colonel Klemmer as our Battalion Commander, 1/14 underwent two consecutive CAX evaluations at 29 Palms. We learned much and performed well under his leadership. For one CAX, Colonel Klemmer lent me to Charlie Battery's FDC. That was some of the best FDC learning I ever had, and I'll always be grateful to him for that opportunity. Colonel Klemmer led us through both CAX evaluations and by the time they were done, we had learned how to live, thrive, and fight in the desert. We were a combat-ready battalion, and Colonel Klemmer got us there.

Years ago at one Birthday Ball, Colonel Cruz quoted President John Quincy Adams. Those words rang true to me then, and they do today. I remember them to this day:

I am a warrior,
so that my son can be a merchant,
so that his son can be a poet.

Colonel Klemmer was a warrior, and a merchant, and a poet, and a gentleman.

Rest in peace, Colonel Klemmer, and say hello to Chesty for me. And when the Good Lord calls me home, and none of us knows when that day will be, I will see you soon enough. We will reunite there in Heaven with you and all the Marines who have gone before. Because God loves the Marine Corps.

Semper Fidelis,

Roy Tuason, Gunnery Sergeant, USMC
Sunnyvale CA
[email protected]

January 11, 2018

My favorite memory of the beautiful Klemmer family wasn't trips to the river, eater egg hunts, football games or countless dinner parties. It was the night you all came to the Orinda house around Christmas. Instead of the typical knock on the door, all the Klemmer's (Rich included) announced their arrival by busted out an off key rendition of Jingle Bells.

You all were the best example of an All American amazing family. Full of laughter, support, love and encouragement.

I remember Rich as the strong silent type. He was kind and caring. He loved his kids and Sandi more than anything and they all loved him just as much.

I wish I was with you all tomorrow to wish your Dad farewell. Take good care of each other.

All my love,
Krista Thilmony

Elsie Cannon

January 10, 2018

Sandra, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. I know I met you both many years ago. I worked with your sweet and dear mother at FDIC. I know he will be deeply missed by you and family. My thoughts are with you.

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Vic Kelley

January 9, 2018

Rich and I became friends during our tour on Okinawa in 1970 - he as a tank commander and I as an infantryman. We kept it going in 1971 at Quantico on the All-Marine Track Team, then later he was my "coach" on the Marine cross country team. He and Sandi were my neighbors in Stafford, Virginia until he transitioned to the Reserve and moved to the left coast in 1974 to go to law school. Through it all, and until his passing, Rich was my friend, and a gentleman among men. I am grateful, and a better man to have known Rich. You will be missed. Semper fi, brother. Vic Kelley

January 8, 2018

We had the privilege of working with Rich and how lucky were we. He was such a great person. God Bless Bob and Yvonne Ayres

Col. James Fulks

January 8, 2018

My sincere condolences to the Klemmer family for their loss. I knew Rich from the Marine Corps (TBS Class 4-69) and Marines' Memorial Club. Wonderful man and great Marine. Only only Marine in my 30 year career that could beat me in a foot race. God Speed. Semper Fi Rich

January 8, 2018

My sincere condolences to the Klemmer family. May fond memories of time spent together comfort you and the peace from God sustain you during this difficult time.

Michael Duarte

January 7, 2018

I became acquainted with Rich in 1996 when I was a Union City Police Department detective and I got to further know him when I became an investigator with the Alameda County District Attorney's Office. We would banter with each other over his USMC service and my service in U.S. Coast Guard. We frequently spoke when my son enlisted in the Marine Corps. He was a reassuring source of comfort to me when my son was completing two tours of duty in Iraq. He was always there listening. He cared. I will miss Rich. God Bless him and his family.

Don Hawley

January 5, 2018

I worked with Col. Rich Klemmer on numerous cases as his Inspector. I can honestly say that he was a man of Integrity, Honesty and very loyal. We often spoke of our USMC Days and I am truly saddened to hear of his departure. Semper Fi Marine

Richard "Dick" Purdee

January 4, 2018

Rich was one of the finest men I have ever known. Although I was an inspector in the Alameda County District Attorney's Office, I was never assigned to work a case with him. However, we did consult on many cases that each of us were working. I will miss his firmness and the willingness to listen and give his advice on mutual matters. Rich, I know you will be missed not only by family, but also by those of us that worked along side. God Bless your family. S/ Richard A. Purdee.

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