Donald Kleinow

ADRIAN – Donald P. Kleinow, 63, of Adrian, who was born November 3, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan, entered into eternal rest on November 21, 2010, after battling cancer. Don graduated from Denby High School in Detroit and received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Industrial Arts from Western Michigan University. He was employed as a teacher by Hudson High School for many years before starting his 28 year employment with Merillat Industries, in Adrian, as a Master Trade Show Technician. Don was very well known and respected for his woodworking/carpentry talent, doing jobs for many local residents over the years. He served in the US Army from 1969 to 1971, and then served in the Army National Guard, retiring in November 2007. Not only was he known for his woodworking abilities and as a Sergeant First Class (E7), he was Siena Heights’ women’s head cross country coach since 1984, and assistant track and field coach, leading his teams to multiple national championship appearances. Don recently was named Cross Country “Coach of the Year 2010” and will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in the fall of 2011. Among these outstanding accomplishments, Don was most proud of his nine children. Surviving are four sons, Donald Kleinow II, Christopher (Stacey) Kleinow, Jonathon (Cynthia Tapia) Kleinow and Levi Kleinow; four daughters, Janna (Alex) Rueda, Mandie Kleinow, Katelyn (Eric) Tumara, Hannah Kleinow. Also surviving are the mother of his nine children, Sharon (Mayo) Kleinow, his siblings, Nancy Chatterson, Mary (Chris) Krzyskowski, Kenway (Jerri) Torok, Norman Torok, and Gene (Pat) Torok, and eight grandchildren. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Anne (Kenway) Kleinow, and his son, David Kleinow. The memorial service honoring Don’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 27, 2010 at the Tecumseh Church of the Nazarene with Rev. Gary Miller officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Adrian National Guard, Company B 156 Signal Battalion. Visitation will be held at Wagley Funeral Home on Friday from 2 to 8 p.m. Condolences may be sent to www.wagleyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Siena Heights University to establish an athletic scholarship in memory of Don. Envelopes are available at Wagley Funeral Home.

Donald Kleinow

November 3, 1947 - November 21, 2010