Dietmar “Dieter” Josef Kleber

Dietmar “Dieter” Josef Kleber, 89, of Ocqueoc, died Tuesday January 24, 2023. Born in Reichenberg, Czechoslovakia April 1, 1933, Dietmar was the son of Maximilian and Margarethe (Weber) Kleber.  At the age of 16, he was sponsored by his uncles, who lived in northern Michigan, and left Germany to live in the United States. He arrived in the states not knowing a word of English but learned by repeatedly watching movies at the theater. He graduated from high school and went on to serve in the United States Air Force during the Korean War where his duty station was in his home country of Germany. Dieter was honorably discharged in 1956 and returned to Presque Isle County where he met Rosetta Schwiesow of Millersburg.  On February 16, 1963, they married at Holy Cross Lutheran Church and made their home in Ocqueoc.

Following in his uncle’s footsteps, Dieter took employment at Presque Isle Electric working as a lineman. With his strong work ethic, knowledge of the job, and dedication to the company he was promoted to a supervisor position that he held until his retirement in 1992. Presque Isle Electric was a very big part of Dieter’s life as he truly enjoyed his work and was well-respected by his linemen.

As a younger man, Dieter was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed deer hunting and fishing. He enjoyed boating on Black Lake and camping trips with his family and friends. His favorite campground was Brevort Lake and it was a Kleber family tradition to camp there with friends each summer. Some of Dieter’s fondest memories were of camping adventures with Rosetta and his girls. A “do-it-yourselfer,” Dieter was constantly puttering with something at home. He enjoyed working in his garden, cutting firewood, and doing yardwork. He planted pine trees and grew strawberries. After retiring, he and Rosetta spent time each winter in Orange Beach, Alabama.

A somewhat private person, Dieter had a small but very loyal circle of friends. He was very close with his in-laws and enjoyed family gatherings and spending time together. He was a quiet, humble man who was devoted to his wife and loved his family. He will be

sadly missed by his wife of nearly 60 years, Rosetta Kleber of Ocqueoc; daughters, Corina (Rodney) Leachman of Cibolo, Texas, Erika (Dominico) Iannucci of Shelby Township and Ursula (Scott) Auger of Highland; six grandchildren, Blaine (Elizabeth) Leachman, Josef Leachman, Brittany and Zachary Auger, and Melina and Dominic Iannucci. Dieter also leaves a brother in Germany, Peter (Marianne) Kleber; and his sisters-in-law, Onnalee (Duke) Recker and Louella Byelich. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law, Frank Schwiesow and George Byelich; and his father and mother-in-law, Frank and Anna Schwiesow.

Visitation was held at Chagnon Funeral Home Sunday, January 29, followed by a funeral service Monday, January 30, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Onaway, the Rev. Trenton Wollberg officiated. Dieter’s final resting place will be at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Ocqueoc where there will be a graveside service and military honors in the spring. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Dietmar to Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Hospice of Michigan at www.hom.org or to your favorite charity.