September 17, 1942 ~ September 29, 2015

Michael Richard Kleiner, 73, passed away peacefully at Baptist East Hospital in Louisville. He was surrounded by his children and will be missed by all. Mike was born in Brooklyn, New York to Barbara and Jack Kleiner. Mike came to Louisville in the late 50’s to play basketball for U of L. He was one heck of an athlete. He blew out his knee during his Freshman campaign and went back home to New York for surgery and rehabilitation. Upon returning to U of L Mike proceeded to make the Baseball team and Tennis teams for the Cardinals. Mike got more scholarship money from the tennis team, so tennis it was! He was a 4 -year starter for the Cards. Mike married Yvonne Blair and had 2 children, Yvette Kleiner Morris and Mark Kleiner. Mike was educated as a teacher and attorney. Mike loved teaching and stuck with his passion, forgoing practicing law after a few years. He was beloved by his students and was always their “favorite” teacher. Everyone loved “Mr. Kleiner”. Mike was remarried to June Thomas and from that marriage came a beautiful daughter, Dolly Rose Jeffreys. Mike retired from teaching in his early 50’s and enjoyed his family, watching movies, lifting weights and playing cards, among other interests. He was an avid baseball fan of the New York Yankees. In fact, if there was anything on T.V, he asked you to switch it to catch the Yankee score. Mike was best friends with Kim and Mike Wilson whom he spent most afternoons playing cards and enjoying their fine meals. Mike is survived by his daughter, Yvette, son-in-law, Scott, along with grandchildren, Aaron, Zoey and Slone. He is also survived by his son, Mark, daughter- in- law, Brittany, grandchildren, Tiffany, Alec, Hannah, Camden, Eden and 2 great -grandchildren, Xander and Archer. Lastly, daughter Dolly, son-in-law Blake, and grandchildren, Kayla, Autumn and Gracie. Mike is also survived by his brothers Richard and Robert Kleiner. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to ‘Kids Cancer Alliance’. Visitation will be at Highlands Funeral home from 4-7 on Thursday, October 1st. Funeral will be held Friday October 2nd at 10:00 am at Highlands and burial to follow at Cave Hill Cemetery.