Robert J. Kleese

Robert J. Kleese, 77, Jamestown, ND died of ALS on Saturday October 19, 2013 at the Jamestown Medical Regional Center in Jamestown, ND.

Robert Kleese was born on the family farm May 7, 1936 at Pettibone, ND. He was the son of William J. Kleese and Esther (Wacher) Kleese. He received his education at the local school and graduated from Pettibone High school in 1954.

He moved to Eastern Montana in 1954 with $5.00 in his pocket, where he began his career with the Northern Pacific Railroad as a Ticket Agent and with that job lived in many small North Dakota towns, eventually moving to Jamestown, ND. He retired from the BNSF Railroad as a Clerk and Caller. He worked for the Railroad for 44 years until retiring and continued to live in Jamestown.

In 1956 Bob married Irene Mack. To this marriage Nancy (1958) and Bobby (1960) were born. Lisa was born to Wanda Wentz in 1972. In 1974 Bob was married to Gloria Schock-Pearson and Becky was born in 1975.

He was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles' since 1974. He was known as "Mr. Fix It" and he helped anyone who needed help. He enjoyed cooking, gardening, and was an avid hunter, fisherman and trapper; no fox was safe in the county. At any given time there were a minimum of 4 freezers full of animal hides. One of his passions was baseball. His favorite team was the Minnesota Twins.

He is survived by 1 son, Robert (Connie) Kleese, Jamestown, ND; 3 daughters, Nancy (Bruce) Beiswanger, Sidney, MT; Lisa (Wade) Kinnison, Denver, CO; Rebecca (Justin) Batz, Jamestown, ND; 8 grandchildren, Benjamin and Andrew Kleese; Jeff Beiswanger (Kelsey Markel), Craig Beiswanger (Georgia Barber), Izaac Kinnison, Zeke Kinnison, Mark Batz, Jacob Batz, 2 great grandchildren, Tatum and Caysen Beiswanger; Best Friend, Mary Legge and children, Michelle (Tim) Neva, Jamestown, ND; Matthew (Tania) Legge, Spiritwood, ND; 4 grandchildren Zachary, Connor, Josephine and Gregory; and 2 brothers, William (Lavina) Kleese, and Roger (Debbie) Kleese, all of Jamestown, ND.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant granddaughter, Lizabeth Kleese and stepfather, Alvin Babcock.

Robert's wishes were that he be cremated and that the family hold a private graveside service.

Bob's wishes were that Memorials be made to the Anne Carlson School.