Dean Kleist's Obituary
“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. He was an honor student at Lakeshore Middle School in Grand Haven and a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
Dean was a member of Boy Scout Troop 40, the Science Olympiad Team at Lakeshore Middle School, the student council and yearbook committee, and he was active in the youth group. Dean enjoyed video games, was a fan of Notre Dame University and also a (misguided) fan of the University of Michigan, and he enjoyed fishing with his Grampa Mike.
Dean leaves behind his parents Mark and Betsy Kleist; his sister Erin Kleist of East Lansing; grandparents Bud and Marilyn Kleist and Jeanne Fortino all of Grand Haven; many aunts, uncles, cousins and many special friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfather Mike Fortino and by his Uncles Stephen Kleist and Thomas Meagher.
A funeral liturgy for Dean will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. this Saturday at St. Patrick’s Church in Grand Haven. Friends may meet the family 4-7 p.m. Friday at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Grand Haven. Interment will be in Lake Forest Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or the Boy Scouts of America-Gerald R. Ford Council. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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