Arthur Kleine

Arthur Jay Kleine passed into the Lord's hands on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at the age of 58 at St. Luke's Hospital in Milwaukee. Born in Sheboygan to Arthur G. and Joan (DeVriend) Kleine, Art was a lifelong Sheboygan resident. He attended Jefferson Elementary, Horace Mann Middle School, graduated from North High School (1977), and received a Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (1981). It was during his time at North High School where he met the love of his life and #1 cheerleader, Barbara (VanVeghel) Kleine, whom he married in 1982.
From an early age, Art exceled in sports. At North High School, he was a standout point guard for the basketball team and shortstop for the Sheboygan Legion baseball team. After high school, Art continued his basketball and baseball career at UW-Whitewater for a short time and played summer baseball for the Sheboygan A's. However, his sports career did not end there. He played for many years with the D&M Plumbing softball team, competed in volleyball, basketball, bowling, and racquetball. Most importantly, he enjoyed hitting the links for his favorite sport, golf.
Art's professional career consisted of 26 years in various roles at Kohler Company and 10 years at Johnsonville where he served as the Director of International Supply Chain. He recently became Treasurer of the International Credit Executives Group and was a mentor to business students at LTC and Lakeland College. He also had a great passion for serving his community while participating in various local organizations. He was a founding member of the Town of Sheboygan Lion's Club, member of the Elks Lodge, and helped organize many golf outings, community festivals, and events.
In his personal life, Art enjoyed spending time with his ever-expanding family, whether at one of his many Packer or Badger viewing parties, or on the many family vacations that spanned the country. He and Barb especially loved exploring new golf courses throughout their travels together as well as staying active in various outdoor activities.
Art is survived by his wife Barbara; their children Eric (Gina) Kleine, Aimee (Mark) Kolb, and Kelly Kleine; grandchildren Cameron Kolb, Emilia Kleine, and Charlie Kolb; brother Robert Kleine; sisters Cathy Kleine-Gohr and Karen (Dan) Beyer; many nieces and nephews, other family members, and his favorite two grand-puppies. Arthur is preceded in death by his parents.
A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM followed by a service at 1:00 PM on Thursday, October 5, 2017 at First United Lutheran Church, 2401 Kohler Memorial Drive, Sheboygan. A memorial fund has been established in his name.
The family wishes to thank the ER and NICU doctors and nurses at both Sheboygan Memorial and St. Luke's Hospital for their excellent care.