With grateful hearts for a life well-lived, we share that Dr. Merlin Henry Kleinbach passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
From his humble farm boy beginnings in Hoskins, Nebraska, Lin lived a remarkable life as a professor, author, and world traveler, and earned a doctorate from the University of Missouri. In the 1960’s, he was honored to help establish the Industry & Technology department at Haile Selassie University in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – work that allowed him to live and travel the globe with his wife Jean and their children. His family and friends were often regaled throughout the years by his (sometimes wild) stories of life overseas. Lin spent most of his life in Oswego, NY, where he was a treasured professor of technology and author of several textbooks. In retirement, he could often be found at the sidelines of his grandchildren’s sporting and musical events, index cards and pen in hand, ready to jot down notes and interesting facts to share with his family – later tucked safely into the front pocket of his signature collared shirt. When Lin said, “That’ll do” with a twinkle in his eye, you knew you had received the highest praise imaginable.
Lin was the beloved husband of 73 years to the late Jean Kleinbach, devoted father of Mark (Janet), Rod (Mary Beth), Jane (the late Dennis) Pacheco, and the late Thomas J.; loving grandfather of Kip Kluegel, Jessica (Robert) Newson, Kristin (David) DeGroff, Katherine and Julianne Kleinbach, Nathaniel (Morgan) Pacheco, Thomas, Brendan, and Emma Kleinbach; loving great grandfather of Kylie, Alison, Cole, Allison, Adalayne, Olivia, Andre, and Wesley; and great-great grandfather of Anneliese.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 27th at 3:00 p.m., with service to follow at 4:00 p.m.at Kutis Funeral Home, 10151 Gravois Road, St Louis, MO 63123. Military service and burial will be held on Thursday, May 28th at 9:30 a.m. at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Hall Newman Center SUNY Oswego, (36 New Street, Oswego NY 13126), or the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.