Brian Chris Kleven

Brian Chris Kleven passed away suddenly on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at his home in Columbia, MD.  He was 75.

Born October 17, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, Son of Arthur & Mary Kleven.  Brian lived in Chicago and later in the Washington D.C. area, before moving to his residence in  Columbia, MD.

Brian received his bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Aero-Space Institute, in Chicago, Illinois.  Upon completion of college, he began working for Fannie Mae.  He retired after 35 years of service. He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Mary Kleven, and his beloved man’s best friend, “Gunny.”

Brain had a deep passion for the International Plastic Modeler’s Society (IPMS), where he was a member for over 20 years. He owned numerous replicas of military modeling figurines (tanks, trucks, planes, etc.), as well as magazines and articles for his enjoyment -- this was indeed his greatest joy through his retirement years.

Brian was also a member of Bethel Assembly of God, and upon retirement, he was asked to used his leadership expertise to be the project manager for the Campus Bethel Project. The project is a 3-phased building program for a non-profit school, Bethel Christian Academy.  He aggressively took control of this project and completed Phase I, the building of the Oakes Building (a $6 million dollar initiative). The stoppage of this project (due to the pandemic), caused delays and Brian was unable to complete this project that he wanted to see through to completion.

Brian was very well-liked in his neighborhood, and he was proud of the fact he was an original homeowner of this subdivision. He took time to get to know each one of them to understand how to encourage and motivate them.  He really loved them all.

Family and friends are welcome at come together to reunite and see each other prior to the funeral at 12 noon, Monday, June 17, 2024 at Bethel Assembly of God.  Funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. with a reception to follow.

For the family residing in the Chicago area, there will be a graveside service held where Brian will be laid to rest beside his parents (actual date being determined.)

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made in Brian’s honor to complete the project that he was the project manager of building of Bethel Christian Academy’s Campus Bethel Project.

Contributions should be paid to the order of Bethel Ministries, Inc., c/o Bethel Christian Academy, “Campus Bethel Project,” 9001 Vollmerhausen Road, Savage, MD 20763.

Bethel Ministries, Inc., c/o Bethel Christian Academy “Campus Bethel Project”
9001 Vollmerhausen Road, Savage MD 20763
Tel: 1-301-498-3344
Web: https://www.homeatbethel.com/give