Louis Paul Kleis Jr's Obituary
Louis Paul Kleis Jr., 88, passed away with his legacy of service, faith, and devotion to family enduring in the hearts of all who knew him.
Louis was born on June 22, 1937, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Louis and Frances Kleis, and was the eldest of four children. He attended St. Stanislaus School from kindergarten through 12th grade and proudly enlisted in the United States Navy immediately after graduation. A dedicated lifelong learner, Louis pursued higher education at Chapman College and Southern Oregon State University, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. His career began in the U.S. Navy, where he served with distinction as an Electronic Engineer, ultimately achieving the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CWO4) over a remarkable 28-year military career. Louis’s service was honored with numerous commendations and awards, including the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat “V”, Good Conduct Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Ribbon, and Vietnam Campaign Medal with star, along with recognition as an Expert Pistol Shot. A highlight of his later years was being selected for the Honor Flight in April 2025, paying tribute to his proud military service.
Following his retirement from the Navy after 38 years of service, Louis continued his professional career as an Electrical Engineer with Lockheed Martin, where he remained a valued and respected contributor. Throughout his life, Louis lived in many places including San Diego, Cleveland, Key West, Virginia Beach, San Francisco, Waukegan, and Dunoon, Scotland, forming friendships and leaving lasting impressions everywhere he went. On August 17, 1957, Louis married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy, in Cleveland, Ohio. Together, they built a loving family and shared a lifetime of memories. Louis was a devoted father of five children: Karen Kleis, Kevin Kleis, Keith Kleis, Kimberly Kleis, and Kristy Kleis-Cadava. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Jessica Kleis-Buzzo, Kevin Kleis Jr., Connor Kleis, and Daniel Joseph Perez, and his great-grandchildren: Nick Buzzo and Furian Buzzo.
Deeply committed to his faith, Louis was an active member of the Catholic Church, serving as a lector, altar boy, and lay Eucharistic minister, and generously giving his time teaching pre-Cana, First Communion, and Confirmation classes. He was also a proud member and leader in numerous organizations including the Knights of Columbus (where he served as Grand Knight), American Legion (lifetime member), MOAA (Military Officers Association of America), Vintage Chevy Club, Beach Jumpers, USS Hamner Association, and the Wolfpack Club, where he served as president. Louis had a passion for shooting, vintage cars, sports, church, and volunteering, and he enjoyed music by the Charlie Daniels Band, especially “Dueling Banjos”, as well as “The Star-Spangled Banner” as performed by Jimi Hendrix.
He will be remembered best as generous, funny, intelligent, organized, and stoic, as well as a man of great pride in his family, country, and faith. Some of the most meaningful moments in his life included marrying his beloved Dorothy, enlisting in the Navy out of high school, earning his engineering degree, and receiving his Surface Warfare Officer accommodation.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Louis’s memory to Moores Cancer Center, the Salvation Army, or Vietnam Veterans organizations.
Louis Paul Kleis Jr. lived a full and honorable life defined by service, love, and unwavering dedication. His legacy will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.
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