Gerhard Kleinen

Gerhard Heinz Kleinen of Marietta, Georgia, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2025, at the age of 89, after a long battle with Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA). Gerhard led a long and interesting life. He was born on October 24, 1935, in Manilla, Philippines to German parents, Willy and Johanna (Horn) Kleinen. Gerhard and his younger sister, Helga, were raised in a close-knit German community in Manila, where he developed a lifetime love of swimming. The impact of World War II on the Philippine Islands led to the internment of many, like the Kleinen family, in Bilibid Prison for almost a year. After being released in September of 1945, the Kleinen family rebuilt their lives in Manila, with Gerhard and Helga attending the American School, where Gerhard excelled on the swim team. The Kleinens left the Philippines in 1950 and settled in Offenburg, Germany, where they were reunited with extended family and friends.

At the age of 22, Gerhard came to the United States on March 16, 1958, in order to “make a better life” for himself. He sought employment in Georgia and was working as a mechanical draftsman when he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served from 1959-1961. He returned to Georgia where he met his future bride, Ernestine English, on a blind date. They married in June of 1963 and had two daughters, Karen and Michelle. Gerhard had a very long and successful career in the food service industry as a commercial kitchen equipment sales representative. One of the proudest moments of his life was becoming a Naturalized American Citizen in 1962. He loved his country, the outdoors, the music of Scott Joplin, Snoopy, geography, football, birdwatching, and a wide variety of cuisines – but most of all he loved his family dearly.

Gerhard was preceded in death by his parents, Willy and Johanna Kleinen, his sister, Helga Müller and his nephew Martin Müller. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ernestine English Kleinen, two daughters, Karen Theobald (John) and Michelle McRee (Gene), and four grandchildren, Christine McRee, Jessica (Sean) Thrower, Mark Theobald and Marie Theobald. A memorial service for Gerhard will be held on Sunday, March 16 at 3:00 PM at The Parc at Piedmont in East Cobb. A special thanks to all of the staff and caregivers at Parc at Piedmont, Annick Homecare, HealthPro Heritage, and Inspire Hospice. Donations can be made in memory of Gerhard Kleinen to www.missionMSA.org.