Norman E. Kleiner

Norman Ernest Kleiner

December 1, 1921 - December 11, 2021

Norman E. Kleiner of Northville, Michigan, was called home to our Lord on December 11, 2021. Norman was devoted to his Lord and his family. He was a faithful member of St Paul Lutheran Church. He was also active in the Northville and Novi communities participation with his wife, Virginia.  Norman was born in Detroit, Michigan. He was baptized on December 21, 1921, confirmed on April 14, 1935, and attended grade school at Stephanus Evangelical Lutheran Church (now St. Stephan) in Detroit, where he first met his future bride. His confirmation verse was John 15:5, “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

Norman graduated from Southwestern High School in 1939. In 1942 during WWII he enlisted in the United States Army and served in the 35th Infantry Division from 1943-1945. He saw action in Normandy, Northern France, the Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the Bronze Star. In 2011 he received the Legion of Honor from the government of the French Republic for his service in their country during WWII.  After his military service he had a long career as a Detroit Police Officer. In 1976, after his retirement he and his beautiful wife, Virginia, settled in Northville. Norman and Virginia were active volunteers in Northville for several decades and were regularly seen at community functions. Norman participated in the Mid-Michigan Honor Flight in 2018 and attended as many veterans functions as possible. His family is thankful and proud of his service to the country.

Norman married Virginia Doris Litke on June 19, 1943. They were blessed with two children, Norman (Denise) Kleiner and Diane (Joel) Robinson. They have four grandchildren, Rebecca (Steven) Cai, Timothy (Elizabeth) Robinson, Andrew Robinson, and Christa (Aaron) Cohrs. They have six great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Madison Cai, Megan, Liam, and Noah Robinson, and Emma Cohrs.  Norman was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Virginia, his parents Adolph and Olga Kleiner, two brothers, Adolph and Arnold, and sister Edna June Weber.

Norman’s funeral was held at St Paul Lutheran Church on December 22, 2021, with committal at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to St Paul Lutheran Church MOST Ministries (Mission Opportunities Short Term).