Gerald Esten Kleven

Gerald E. Kleven, age 90, of Kingsport, left his earthly home on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Gerald Esten Kleven was born on May 9th, 1934, in La Crosse, Wisconsin to Arthur Eugene and Gertrude Hubert Kleven. Jerry grew up in Onalaska, Wisconsin, and graduated from Onalaska High School in 1952. He went to work for Trane Company in La Crosse.

He married Joanne Marie Tabbert on October 5, 1957. In 1962, Jerry, Joanne, and their four boys moved to Tennessee, where Jerry started McDonald's in each of the Tri Cities: Kingsport, Bristol, and Johnson City.

In 1973, they opened A & W Restaurant on East Stone Drive in Kingsport, which Jerry and Joanne operated until its closure in 2004. Jerry enjoyed his retirement as a driver for Lexus of Kingsport.

Jerry loved sports, including many years of golfing. He especially loved watching the Atlanta Braves Baseball and Green Bay Packers football.

Gerald and Joanne were very involved with their church, Holy Trinity Lutheran of Kingsport. A special activity he enjoyed in recent years was working with the Outreach Ministry at the church.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, as well as two brothers and three sisters. Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Joanne Tabbert Kleven; sons, Daniel Kleven and wife Sue, Jay Kleven and wife LaDonna, Brian Kleven and wife Debbie, and Jeff Kleven and wife Lisa. Grandchildren: Michael Kleven and Kimberly, Matthew Kleven, Erik Kleven, Alexandra K. Wewers and Fritz, Jared Kleven and Halee, Kathryn K. Cochran and Lucas, Brad Kleven and Corey Kleven. Great grandchildren, Kira and Callahan.

A memorial service will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 800 Broad Street Kingsport, TN on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM. A gathering will be held at the church following the service.

Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the family, online condolences can be shared with the family on our website at www.trinitymemorialcenters.com.