Norman H. Kline, 101, of Centerport, died Saturday, May 17, 2014 in St. Joseph Medical Center where he was a patient since Thursday. He was the husband of Marie H. (Haag) Kline, who died March 10, 2012, at the age of 100. Norman and Marie were married on February 18, 1933 and celebrated 79 years of marriage prior to her death.
Norman was born in the same house in Centerport where he currently resided. He was the son of the late Benjamin H. and Annie (Henne) Kline. Norman began a life-long career of farming on the family farm at the age of 15. He was also a school bus driver for 50 years for the current Schuylkill Valley School District; driving accident-free. Norman was a lifelong member of St. Michael's Church, Tilden Twp. He was the youngest person to serve on church council; and served on the council of the Lutheran congregation and the council of the joint congregations. Norman was a charter member of the Central Berks Fire Company and beneficial association of Centerport. In 1956, he became the first Fire Chief of the fire company and served in that capacity for 17 years, from 1956-1973. Norman donated the land that the current fire company sits on today. He is a charter member of the Central Berks Lions Club; member and former officer of the Patriotic Sons of America Washington Camp #446, joining when he was 16 years old; and a member of the former Centerport Grange. Norman was the Burgess of Centerport in the late 1930's and remained on Centerport Borough Council for twenty years, holding all offices but secretary. He was also a member of various local fire companies. Norman was president of nine different organizations throughout his lifetime and was always passionate about community service.
Norman is survived by a daughter: Anna I. (Kline), wife of George W. Grauer, of Centerport. The three of them resided together, however, even at Norman's advanced age, he lived independently and was still driving. Norman is also survived by three grandchildren: Kathy L. Grauer, wife of Larry Clark, San Diego, California; Kenneth V. Grauer, and his wife Lori, Centre Twp.; and Kevin K. Grauer, and his wife Roberta, West Lawn; and five great-grandchildren: William and Georganna Clark; Lauren and Logan Grauer; and Gina Grauer. He was predeceased by a brother: Elmer Kline; and a foster son: Raymond Folk.
Services will be held on Saturday at 11:30 am from St. Michael's Church, 529 St. Michael's Road, Hamburg, PA 19526. Burial will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery, Tilden Twp. A viewing will be held on Friday 6:00 to 8:00 pm from Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., 223 Peach Street, Leesport, and Saturday 10:00 to 11:00 am at the church. A Patriotic Order Sons of America service will be held on Friday at 7:30 pm. Prior to the viewing at the church on Saturday, a fire truck from the Central Berks Fire Company will transport Norman's casket to the church from the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Michael's Church Memorial Fund, at the above address, or Central Berks Fire Company, P.O. Box 306, Centerport, PA 19516. Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Leesport is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit, www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.
