Byron Allan Kleimola

DULUTH, Minn. - Byron Allan Kleimola, 82, of Duluth, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 21, 2017, in The Franciscan Health Center with his loving wife by his side.

Byron was born in Ironwood, Mich., on April 1, 1935, to Matt and Ida (Hill) Kleimola.

He was a 1953 graduate of Luther L. Wright in Ironwood and immediately following graduation enlisted in the U.S. Army, receiving an honorable discharge.

On March 2, 1974, Byron married Pat Milinovich.

The majority of his working career was in automotive management, working for JC Penney's auto center, Firestone and Kolar Automotive. After retiring from Kolar's, he drove cars for them for a number of years. He loved the automotive business.

Byron was a loyal Detroit fan, whether the Lions, Tigers or Red Wings. Right up until his passing he watched the MLB Network and his beloved Tigers.

Byron loved to fish in Canada and on Lake Superior. He took many trips to Canada with family and friends over the years, catching walleye and northerns. When he couldn't fish any longer he would visit, have coffee and talk sports with his buddies at the Milk House on Piedmont each morning, then head to the mall to walk and have coffee with his group of friends. He had a passion and a love for animals, especially his German shepherds and his two cats, which he adopted from the local shelters.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Carol Alleva of Anchorage, Alaska.

Byron is survived by his loving wife, Patricia; stepchildren, Marci (Chris) Knight of Virginia, Minn., and Paula (Dan) Barbacovi of Bessemer, Mich .; three stepgrandchildren, Michael, Crystal and Melissa Barbacovi; sister, Sharon Kleimola of Rochester, Mich .; brother-in-law, Jim Alleva of Anchorage; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Edgewood Vista, The Franciscan Health Center and all the people who cared for Byron over the last few months.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. memorial service on Tuesday, May 30, 2017, followed by a luncheon at the Kenwood Lutheran Church in Duluth.

Inurnment will be in Sunset Acres Cemetery in Ironwood at a later date.