Thomas Alan Kleinke

Thomas Alan Kleinke was born on October 17, 1958, in Lansing, MI. He died on January 26, 2010 in Commerese Township, MI. Tom was preceded in death by an infant brother, Stephen, and his mother, Phyllis Jane Kleinke. He is survived by his father Alfred L. Kleinke, Nevis, MN, and his sisters, Terri Lee McDowell, Overland Park, KS and JulAnne Dodd, Kearney, MO. Tom was baptized into the Lutheran Christian Faith in October, 1958, in Lansing, MI. He subsequently accepted personal responsibility for his Christian Faith by rite of confirmation of May 6, 1973 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Farmington, MI. Tom attended elementary school in Louisville, KY, Farmington Hills, MI and Memphis, TN. He attended high school in Omaha, NE and Plano, TX. Following high school graduation, Tom attended Luther College in Decorah, IA, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Tom’s subsequent work life included employment by Farmer’s Insurance Company, Ford Motor Credit Company and “Best Buy” Retail Sales and Merchandising. Tom’s outside interests included science, technology and music. He was a licensed ham radio operator where his circle of friends, nationwide, knew him by his “ham handle” – “Northstar.” His scientific interests included astronomy and almost every “high tech” electronic gadget he could get his hands on. In the field of music, Tom was an avid Beatles fan and also loved country and western, which he often played on guitar with his friends. Tom preferred books and science magazines over movies and television. He loved searching for new knowledge, especially involving our solar system and beyond. Although quiet and reserved by nature, he and his circle of musical buddies often composed and performed original songs for their friend’s enjoyment. Tom’s broad smile and friendly nature will be greatly missed, but long remembered by his family and friends. A memorial service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church in Sebeka, MN, at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 17, 2010. Arrangements were entrusted to Wevley Funeral Home.