Cover photo for Bernd W.A. Kliem's Obituary
Bernd W.A. Kliem Profile Photo
1939 Bernd 2020

Bernd W.A. Kliem

May 21, 1939 — February 22, 2020

Bernd W. A. Kliem, 80, passed away on February 22, 2020 in his home. He was born in Berlin, Germany on May 21, 1939 to Carl and Berta (Daniel) Kliem. Though he endured tremendous hardship early in his life, he learned that hard work and education were important ways to lift himself and his family up. At the age of fourteen, he emigrated to the United States with his older brother Peter Kliem, leaving his only known family behind in Germany. They lived in Maine with Regina and Walter Piek, their aunt and uncle, through their teenage years and early twenties. He was very proud of his naturalized citizenship, and served our nation in the U.S. Army, where he rose to the rank of Specialist 5 and he received a Commendation Medal for his work in munitions at Picatinny Arsenal; which was presented by President Lyndon B. Johnson & Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara. Bernd earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maine, and worked at NASA, USDOT, AVM, and Lockheed Martin. He was a Registered Professional Engineer in Massachusetts. Bernd stressed the importance of education and hard work while always making time for those he loved. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, snow skiing, sailing, and traveling with his family. Bernd loved learning, and was eager to try new activities and spent many hours reading. He was blessed with numerous life-long friends he held as close as family.

Bernd was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Gretchen. His memory will be cherished by his wife of 47 years, Dora (Laudenslager) Kliem; his brothers: Peter (Andi Wolff) Kliem and Karl (Inge) Kliem and their children; his children: Gretchen (Brad) Pendley and Greg (Kim) Kliem; and his grandchildren: Emmalein and Cora Pendley.

Family and friends are invited to attend a period of visitation from 5-7 pm on Thursday, February 27, 2020, at Galbreaith-Pickard Funeral Home Chapel, 913 North Elm in Weatherford, Texas. A short memorial service will begin at 6:30 pm. A private military burial for the family will be held on Friday, February 28, 2020 at the National Veteran’s Cemetery in Grand Prairie, Texas. 

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you plant a tree in his memory. Please visit www.galbreaithpickard.com for additional information.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bernd W.A. Kliem, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Thursday, February 27, 2020

5:00 - 6:30 pm (Central time)

Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services

913 North Elm Street, Weatherford, TX 76086

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Service

Thursday, February 27, 2020

6:30 - 7:00 pm (Central time)

Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services

913 North Elm Street, Weatherford, TX 76086

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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