George Keith Kleinertz

George Keith Kleinertz, 96 of La Crosse, Wisconsin passed away on Apr 29, 2025 at Hillview Nursing Home. George was born on February 4, 1929 in Bangor, Wisconsin to Frank and Faye Kleinertz. He was raised with one older brother, Wayne. He attended Holy Trinity and Saint Joseph’s Cathedral Elementary School and graduated from Aquinas High School. Following graduation, George enlisted in the United States Navy where he served in the Pacific aboard the US Bremerton, CA 130 as a radio man. He was discharged in December of 1947. Following his discharge, George attended the La Crosse Vocational School where he studied Accounting.

On June 4, 1949 George married Shirley June Huffman at St. Joseph’s Cathedral. They were blessed with 63 years of marriage, until her passing on July 10, 2012.

George was employed by Retail Credit Company (later known as Equifax Inc.) from 1951 until he retired in 1989 after 38 years.

George was a lifelong member of the Eagles and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He was especially proud to be an honorary life member of Post 52, where he served on the firing squad for many years. A devoted parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church for over 60 years, George was also a member of the Sokol’s Club.

George enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He played baseball, softball, and basketball for several city and church teams over the years. He was a member of Virgil’s Golf Group, which golfed every Wednesday for more than 25 years. This group still meets once a month for dinner with whoever can make it. Wives were always included!

In addition to his wife of 63 years, George was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Faye Kleinertz, his brother, Wayne Kleinertz, and son in-law, Chuck Forer.

He is survived by his six children: Gary Kleinertz, Debbie Forer, Bob Kleinertz, Rod Kleinertz, Patty (Bob) Meurer, and Dan (Ann) Kleinertz. He is also blessed with twelve grandchildren: Brian (Heidi) Rosenow, Jenny (Steve) Schuh, Marcus, Austin (Rachel), and Alec Meurer, Faith, Aaron, Rachel, Simon, Neil, Eric (Kelly) and Steve (Francesca) Kleinertz. His blessings continued with his ten great grandchildren: Tyler and Dominic Rosenow, Easton, Davin, and Sloane Schuh, Levi, Remi, Bowen, Wesley, and Palmer Kleinertz.

George’s family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the incredible staff at Hillview Terrace and Nursing Home for the outstanding care and compassion shown to their father over the past six years. They are also deeply grateful to St. Croix Hospice for their support and kindness given to their father and for helping them through this difficult time.

A private service with military honors will be held. Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family. Memorials may be directed to St. Croix Hospice or the American Legion.

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