Obituary of Rein L. DeKleine

Queensbury, Rein Lucas DeKleine, of Old Mill Lane, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, January 23 at Glens Falls Hospital, surrounded by his loving family and his caregiver, Sue. Rein was born on September 17, 1918 in Rotterdam, Holland. He was the son of Jon and Marie (Muris) DeKleine. In 1927, Rein’s father had heard “America’s streets were lined with gold coins” and at nine years old, Rein and his family came to the United States of America for a better life. Since Rein had an aunt who lived in New Jersey and his father had a job as a landlord, the family did not have to pass through Ellis Island. Rein earned his citizenship and was proud to serve his country as a seaman in the US Navy. On July 5, 1938 Rein married Sophia Lawrence and later moved to Long Island where they raised their four sons. Rein was a journeyman electrician, but was also skilled in plumbing and various other forms of the construction trade. On Long Island, Rein was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local #25 and the National Rifle Association. In 1987, Rein and Sophia retired to Queensbury where Rein enjoyed gardening, building model boats and planes, fishing, hunting, gambling, and spending time with his family. Rein was a kind and loving man who had a strong will to survive. Besides his parents, Rein is predeceased by his loving wife of 67 years, Sophia; his brother, Hank; and his two sisters, Betty and Aleatta. Survivors include his four sons, Paul DeKleine and his wife Barbara of N. Myrtle Beach, SC; Rein L. DeKleine Jr. and his wife Doreen of N. Babylon; Warren DeKleine and his wife Sandra of Diamond Point; Kenneth M. DeKleine and his wife Annmarie of Chestertown; grandchildren, Daniel K. DeKleine, Holly C. DeKleine, Jeanmarie DeKleine, Nicholas DeKleine, Amanda DeKleine, LeeAnne Walden and her husband Matthew, Brittney DeKleine, Kyle DeKleine; his brother, John; his sister, Oletta; and several nieces and nephews. At Rein’s request, a direct cremation with no funeral services will be honored. The family wishes to express, with sincere gratitude, a heart felt thank you to Rein’s caregivers and to Glens Falls Hospital and the Renal Center for the tender loving care given to Rein. Please visit www.alexanderfuneralhomes.com for online guest book, condolences and directions.