Charles "Chuck" Kleinhenz passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 28, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by faith, family, service and dedication to those he loved.

Chuck was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, where he attended St. Gregory the Great elementary school and Cathedral Latin high school. His Catholic faith was the cornerstone of who he was. A lifelong member of the Church, he faithfully attended Mass and found great comfort in keeping his rosary close by.

Chuck boasted that he attended three universities—John Carroll University, The Ohio State University and Utah State University, never really finding an educational calling but enjoying every weekend of college life. Upon being drafted by the US Army, he proudly served his country in the Vietnam War.

Following his military service, he married the lifeguard of his dreams, Penny, beginning an adventurous 55-year marriage.

Together, Chuck and Penny built an action packed life living in Cincinnati, Ohio; Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania; Toronto, Ontario; San Jose, California; Rochester, New York; Salt Lake City, Utah; and ultimately Fort Wayne, Indiana. Along the way they raised three children: Kelly of Breckenridge, Colorado; Kevin of Los Angeles, California; and Kris of Greensboro, North Carolina.

Chuck was a proud and devoted grandfather to Keaton and Piper, both students at the University of Colorado Boulder, and to Caroline and Colin of Los Angeles.

Throughout his career, Chuck worked in sales, representing industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to electronics and metals. But he came up from humble beginnings working at Dairy Queen in South Euclid where just last month he was still telling stories of how they would freeze a few ice cream cones each shift and then bounce them off the asphalt and over the building at the end of the night! In every job he held he was known for his big personality and matching smile winning people over everywhere he went.

Over the decades, Chuck enjoyed running, biking, traveling, riding motorcycles with his nephews and earning his pilot's license - proudly taking to the skies on weekend flights. He also loved reading the newspaper and nonfiction books, working on Sudoku puzzles and word searches, and cheering on his children at their many sporting events and school activities.

For years he was a reliable volunteer reading to kids in local schools, bagging groceries at the Franciscan Center, donating blood and supporting many nonprofits with his monthly donations. In his spare time, he took great pride in keeping a beautiful lawn and meticulously caring for his cars.

Chuck also appreciated life's simple comforts: a cigar in the driveway, a popsicle after mowing the lawn, pool time, hot coffee, clambakes, sunbathing, talking about the weather and spending time with those he loved. He enjoyed conversation and attention from family and friends and always welcomed a familiar face.

One of the highlights of Chuck's later years came in 2023 when, thanks to Penny's determination, he was able to participate in the Northeast Indiana Honor Flight. Accompanied by his son, Kris, Chuck traveled to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials honoring those who served our nation. Upon returning home, he received the welcome he never experienced after coming home from Vietnam in 1970. This time he was surrounded by cheering crowds, heartfelt applause, a marching band and dozens of cards from family and friends thanking him for his service. It was a deeply moving and unforgettable day that meant the world to him and his family.

Chuck is survived by his beautiful wife of 55 years, Penny; his children, Kelly (Matt), Kevin (Whitney), and Kris (Christine); and his cherished grandchildren, Keaton, Piper, Caroline, and Colin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Marvin; and his sister, Lois. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by his brother, Tommy (Babs), and their sons, Adam and Andrew, and is also survived by his brother-in-law, Jerry, and his beloved nieces and nephews, Jeff (Janet), Jim (Lisa), Jane (Mario) and great niece, Nina.

Chuck will be remembered for his steadfast faith, his devotion to family, his service to his community and country, and the laughter and hilarious sayings he brought to every stage of his life and to every person he enjoyed. His memory will continue to live on forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 10700 Aboite Center Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804 with visitation one hour prior. Fond memories and condolences can be shared at www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com for the family.