Herbert P. Kleeman

Herbert P. Kleeman, 100 of Garrett, passed away on Monday, September 22, 2025 at DuPont Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was born on November 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 January 19, 2010. Mr. Kleeman worked for Auburn Gear for 36 years before retiring on December 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 the 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 also one of the founding members of the Garrett Boys Baseball League and volunteered his time at the 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 the 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, the Garrett Lions Club, he was a lifetime member of the Garrett American Legion Post 178 where he served on the Honor Guard detail, the VFW Post 1892 in Garrett and the DAV and he served on the board of directors of Alliance Industries in Garrett. Survivors include: Son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Evie Kleeman of Garrett. Son, Michael Kleeman of Auburn. Son and daughter-in-law, Patrick and Debbie Kleeman of Garrett. Daughter, Deb Kleeman of Garrett. Daughter, 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 Casselman), 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. 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, September 25, 2025 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 South Center Street in Auburn. Additional visitation will be held on Friday morning at the church one hour prior to the funeral service from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1349 South Randolph Street in Garrett with Rev. Keaton Christiansen officiating. Burial with military honors will take place at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Auburn. Memorial donations may be made in memory of Herb to the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Garrett, 1349 South Randolph Street, Garrett, Indiana 46738 and to St. Martin's Healthcare, 1359 South Randolph Street, Garrett, Indiana 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. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Herbert P. Kleeman, please visit our floral store.