Joanne Marie Kleven

Joanne Marie Tabbert Kleven, age 94, of Kingsport, left her earthly home on Monday, September 21, 2026. Joanne Tabbert Kleven was born on December 6, 1931, in Onalaska, Wisconsin to Rueben and Sylvia Houkom Tabbert. Joanne grew up in Onalaska, Wisconsin and graduated from Onalaska High School.

She married Gerald Esten Kleven on October 5, 1957. In 1962 Joanne, Jerry, and their four boys moved to Tennessee, where Jerry started McDonalds in each of the Tri Cities: Kingsport, Bristol and Johnson City.

In 1973, they opened A & W Restaurant on East Stone Drive in Kingsport, which Joanne and Jerry operated until its closure in 2004. Joanne enjoyed retirement and spent time creating more beautiful handmade cross stitch, knit and sewn pieces, as well as wonderful holiday meals for her family.

Joanne and Jerry both loved sports, including many years of golfing with friends. She especially loved watching Atlanta Braves baseball and her Green Bay Packers football, until her passing.

Joanne and Jerry were very involved with their church, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Kingsport. Activities that Joanne enjoyed included past director of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Choir, singing alongside her son Dan, and in more recent years, Meals on Wheels and the Backpack ministry.

Joanne was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Kleven, her parents and sisters Marion, Edith and Susie.

Survivors include sons, Daniel Kleven and wife Sue, Jay Kleven and wife LaDonna, Brian Kleven and wife Debbie, and Jeff Kleven and wife Lisa. Grandchildren Michael Kleven and wife Kimberly, Matthew Kleven, Erik Kleven, Alexandra Kleven and Fritz Wewers, Jared Kleven and Halee, Brad Leppi and Corey Kleven. Great grandchildren Kira, Callahan and Adrian.

A memorial service will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 800 Broad Street Kingsport, Tennessee on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 1:00 PM. A gathering will be held at the church following the service.

Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the family, online condolences can be shared with the family on our website at www.trinitymemorialcenters.com.