Lavern Kleam

LaVern Arthur Kleam, 89, of Goodlettsville, Tennessee passed away on Thursday, June 10, 2022. Vern was born in Kingsley, Michigan, in 1933. He is preceded in death by his parents, the late Arthur Roberston and Ella Kleam Robertson and adoptive parents Eric Kleam and Eleanor Kleam Bailey. He was also preceded in death by brothers Donald Robertson and Michael Kleam. He is survived by brothers Jerry Kleam and Bud Roberton and sister Wanda McBeth. Vern was raised in northern Michigan by numerous relatives, lived briefly in California as a teen and returned to Traverse City, Mi. He joined the United States Airforce at the age of 17 and served in the U.S., France and Germany during the Korean War. He served as an aircraft mechanic. After the war he returned to the Detroit area, attending Lawrence Tech and working for Wonder Bread. He met and married the love of his life Edith of 65 years. They resided in Michigan for 32 years and raised four children there. During that time he worked for American Standard and W.T. Heaney in the commercial heating and cooling industry. They moved to Goodlettsville, TN. 34 years ago. Vern loved Tennessee and found a community of relatives and friends that welcomed him with open arms. He and Edith were members of the Millersville Church of Christ. Vern was a master of rehab, reinvention and repair. His resume included many projects for family and friends. Vern is survived by his children Mary Kleam (Carl Battishill), Scott (Sue) Kleam, Douglas (Linda) Kleam and Sandra Giiuffre; 7 grandchildren, Kali, Andrew, Samantha, Nick, Madison, Logan and Benjamin and one great grandchild, Edie Jane. He was affectionately known as ‘Vernie’ by his children and Papa by his grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at Hendersonville Memorial Gardens, on Monday, June 20. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospitals.