Bernd W.A. Kliem

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 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., 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 p.m. 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.