With grateful hearts for a life well-lived, we share that Jean Anne Kleinbach (nee Hussey) passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Jean lived an extraordinary life that took her from Iowa and Nebraska to the far reaches of Ethiopia. She spent most of her years in Oswego, New York, before eventually returning to the Midwest to be closer to family. In her everyday life, she was known for constantly spilling something on her nicest clothes, yet she always kept a tissue tucked into her sleeve — ready to wipe away a tear, a runny nose, or a coffee stain from her lapel. Known to many as “Nana,” she could never quite get the timing right for photographs, often captured with her mouth half open, mid-sentence or mid-smile. Those once-awkward snapshots will now be treasured by all who knew and loved her. Jean devoted countless hours volunteering at the Hall Newman Center, caring for others in both big and quiet ways. Small in stature but a true spitfire until the end, her fierce determination carried her across the threshold of her 95th birthday, giving her family one final, precious opportunity to gather and celebrate her life with her.
Jean was the beloved wife of 73 years to Merlin Kleinbach, devoted mother of Mark (Janet), Rod (Mary Beth), Jane (the late Dennis) Pacheco, and the late Thomas J.; loving grandmother of Kip Kluegel, Jessica (Robert) Newson, Kristin (David) DeGroff, Katherine and Julianne Kleinbach, Nathaniel (Morgan Manion) Pacheco, Thomas, Brendan, and Emma Kleinbach; loving great-grandmother of Kylie, Alison, Cole, Allison, Adalayne, Andre, and Wesley; and great-great-grandmother of Anneliese.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 21 at 1:00 p.m. at Kutis Funeral Home, 10151 Gravois Road, St Louis, MO 63123. Service to follow at 1:30 p.m. Burial will take place at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery on Monday, February 23, 2026.
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.
Our deepest condolences to the Kleinbach family. Jean was truly a remarkable person.
We are so sorry Merlin. The chaplaincy department at Friendship Village offers our deepest condolences. God walks with you each step of the way! 73 years is a remarkable testimony of faithfulness!