DAN KLEMAN Obituary

DAN KLEMAN Dan Kleman, of Port St. Lucie, FL passed away peacefully at home on February 12, 2025 at the age of 79. He is survived by his wife Jan; four children, Christopher (Laura) Kleman of Franklin, TN; Lauri (Tom) Burgess of Tampa, FL; Kathryn (P.J.) Anson of Stuart, FL; and Tim (Krista) Kleman of Lake Mary, FL; eleven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and brother Wayne (Marilyn) Kleman of Columbus, OH. Dan was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. An optimistic, fun-loving, and patient man, he approached life and family with a deep sense of faith and gratitude, which guided him through both his personal and professional endeavors. His thoughtful nature and peacemaking skills were a reliable source of guidance and inspiration. Dan and Jan were married 56 years, sharing a lifetime of adventures and treasured memories. Together they embarked on extensive world travels, visiting all seven continents and enriching their lives with unforgettable experiences. Dan enjoyed a lifelong passion for trains, especially 19th-century railroad history, combining many significant train journeys with their world travel. However, their favorite place to spend time has always been their beloved Cape San Blas, FL beach house. A visionary and influential public servant, Dan leaves behind a legacy of leadership, wisdom, and dedication. Originally from Ottawa, OH, Dan met Jan, the "Love of His is Life," while both were attending Bowling Green State University. Dan earned his Bachelor of Arts magna cum laude, followed by a Master's in Governmental Administration from the Wharton Graduate School at the University of Pennsylvania. Having a passion for public service and community leadership, Dan's career began in Dayton, OH, working in the Office of the City Manager. At the age of 28, he was appointed City Manager of Tallahassee, FL, a position he held for over 20 years. It was there that he and Jan raised their family. Kleman Plaza was dedicated in 1997 to honor his service and devotion to Tallahassee. Dan's leadership continued to Tampa, FL, where he served ten years as the Hillsborough County Administrator. In 2004, Dan joined the Jacksonville Mayor's administration as Chief Administrative Officer, later becoming Director and Fire Chief of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. His achievements were widely recognized, including receiving the Public Administrator of the Year Award from both the Florida and Tampa Bay chapters of the American Society of Administration. Dan also served as President of both the City and County Management Association and the International and County Management Association. Dan's contributions will be remembered by the many communities and lives he touched. His kindness, warmth, and steadfast devotion will leave a profound mark on those who knew him. His deep faith and love of life will continue to inspire future generations, and he will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.