Rea V. Kleinfeldt

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April 15, 1920 - November 10, 2007
SALEM - Rea V. Kleinfeldt, 87, a native of Bend, a star athlete, musician, and pastor to many, especially those in trouble, died Saturday after a lingering illness. He was a loving husband and father. The youngest of the four children of John H. and Martha Leatherman Kleinfeldt, Rea starred in track at Bend High School, then at the University of Oregon. In 1940, he entered Northwest Christian College to study for the ministry. Following his ordination in 1944, he served as a pastor at churches in Pocatello, Idaho, Corning, Calif., Sutherlin and Roseburg, Oregon, and Seymour, Texas. In 1954, he entered graduate school at Brite College of the Bible, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, to study for the institutional chaplaincy. He interned at the Boys Industrial School and Topeka State Hospital, Topeka, Kansas, where he also studied at the Menninger Clinic. In 1960, he became a Chaplain for the District of Columbia Department of Corrections, Washington, D.C., where he served until his retirement in 1980. He was a resident of Salem for the past 24 years, and was a member of Court Street Christian Church. His many interests included tennis, golf, softball, horseshoes, bowling, table tennis, and other sports. He was a member of Toastmasters International and received awards for his speaking abilities. He played violin and guitar. He was well known for his beautiful tenor voice, and was involved in many singing groups, including the Megatones, a singing group he started in Salem. The group visited shut-ins, hospitals, and other care facilities, as well as churches. He was preceded in death by his brother, Alvin; and sisters, Winona Kribs and Celesta Mitchell; as well as his own daughter, Sherrill Ann, who died at the age of 7, in 1952. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Virginia Warren; two sons, Gaylen and David Lynn and his wife, Terri McMartin; and two granddaughters, Lindsey and Haylee. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, November 16 at Restlawn Funeral Home. A service of celebration for his life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 17 at Court Street Christian Church. Gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society.