Birth date: Apr 19, 1991 Death date: Feb 1, 2006
“Inspiration to All” Dean Thomas Kleist, age 14, of Grand Haven passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, February 1, 2006. Dean was born April 19, 1991 to Mark A. and Elizabeth “Betsy” A. (Fortino) Kleist in Grand Haven Read Obituary
Dean, I miss you so much! Just reading through the comments people have left here reminds me of what a truly amazing person you were. I can't wait to be in Heaven with you when God calls me home. I miss you so much. I still love you, and I always will. Love, Cati
Dear Friends: Betsy, I have known you since you were six years old and have watched you grow over the years into a strong, beautiful woman with a courage that not many us can say we have. You are no stranger to death with the passing of your mom at such an early age, special friend Flora, brother-in-law Tom, your beloved dad and now your own son. Yes, this world has lost another beautiful person in the passing of Dean. He lived and brought unto this earth a love for life that will be reflected in all of our hearts forever. Please know that as the memories of Dean lie before you, he will never be more than just a thought away. You will always be connected to Dean by heart............##imported-begin##Maryellen (Blease) Cook##imported-end##
Dear Mark, Betsy and Erin, I was so sad to hear about Dean's passing.Words can not express the sorrow I feel. You have been great parents and have been an inspiration to all who know you and knew Dean. My thoughts,prayers and love are with you
Gary.##imported-begin##Gary Brock##imported-end##
My dearest cousins,
It was 7:30 am and we just landed in Phoenix and I turned on my phone. There was a voicemail from Margie, but something about this message seemed urgent. I called and got the news that our beautiful boy Dean had gone to God. At first, it was just 10 minutes of disbelief, then tears, and now a lingering sadness. A million questions . . . no answers . . . just faith that Someone has a plan for all of us, a perfect time to live and to die, and Dean's plan had just all come together.
I cannot tell you how many times I have thought about Uncle Mike going first--how prophetic for him to be there when Dean arrived. I imagine Dean and Grandpa walking and talking with no limitations for either one of them. No wheelchairs, no walkers, no pain. How amazing!
You know they say there is "no crying in baseball" . . . well, let me tell you, Dean was a major leaguer . . . for I never saw a stronger spirit, a more can-do personality all wrapped up in that sweet knowing smile. Dean was sent to us to teach us not only how to live with courage, but also how to die with dignity and grace.
God bless you all, as He will, and know that Dean is being taken care of by the Father and he is perfectly safe and at home.
I am sorry that we cannot be with you, but our thoughts and prayers are.##imported-begin##Rita & John Brook##imported-end##
I am so sorry to herer about Dean. I saw him in the hallways alot and he always had a smile on his face. I am so sorry for your loss Mr. and Mrs. Kleist and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sierra Adams##imported-begin##Sierra Adams##imported-end##
Dear Mark and Betsy,
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to you, and your daughter Erin, in the loss of your son Dean.
Although I seldom see you I know without a doubt that you are both loving and devoted parents. Dean was blessed to call you mom and dad.
May your memories give you comfort and may you find strength in God and each other. You are in my thoughts and prayers.....Rita##imported-begin##Rita Schillo##imported-end##
Although I did not know Dean, my two sons did. We are so sorry for your loss, and will keep you in our prayers. My son Adam said "Mom, Dean always had a smile on his face" God Bless you all.##imported-begin##Randy Porl family##imported-end##
I just want to express my deepest sympathy to your family. Dean was a wonderful child and a joy to be around. He will forever be a light in my daughter, Cati's, eyes. They were special friends and he will be greatly missed. I know he's playing basketball or football with Jesus.##imported-begin##Marie Currier##imported-end##
Betsy - In viewing the Tribune online, I was touched in reading about Dean and followed some links to this VanZantwick website. In reading through the other guest postings, I came across the one from Dave Bloomquist which helped me put things together and realize who's child Dean was.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Dean sounds like a wonderful kid and a very special blessing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.##imported-begin##Dennis Johnson##imported-end##
Dear Betsy,Mark & Erin..I am writing this and trying to think of what say..but all I can come up with is I am so sorry. There is nothing worse in life than losing a child...the saying all ways is "I am the parent,k we are suppose to go first". I am so blessed to know you Betsy through Mary Ellen, I just wish I had known Dean better. I know that Mary Ellen would talk about him a lot and at times it felt like I knew this little boy (he would probably be upset if he knew I just called him a "little boy"). At the funeral hearing about all the good this little one did is a miracle in itself and I am honored to have been there. What he did some adults would never have been able to do in their life time. This shows what wonderful parents you were as no one could do what he did by himself. Erin has the big sister you had a huge job in letting Dean be Dean even when you wanted to get in there and help him. There are going to be many times that you will think of Dean and be blessed with all the memories and keepsakes. This is such a double whammy for you all with Betsy's dad dying so soon. As was mentioned yesterday "Why" and we may never know until we are in front of God...and then it won't matter. Peace to all of you and know that you are in my thoughts and Prayers.##imported-begin##Char Nash##imported-end##
