Roger Neale Kleinecke

June 14, 1930 - January 23, 2021

Roger Neale Kleinecke passed away January 23, 2021 in Novato California. Roger was born on June 14, 1930 in San Luis Obispo, Ca. to Julia and Albert Kleinecke. The family resided in San Luis Obispo County until moving to Berkeley in 1942. Roger graduated from Berkeley High School in 1948, and after serving in the army, began a satisfying and successful career in the insurance industry.

Roger started out as a special agent and worked

California’s North Coast for Swett & Crawford Insurance Services. From there he moved into Surplus Lines Insurance with business partner Robert Welch. Together they acquired an agency, Winning and Levy, Inc, changed the name to Welch & Company and opened five offices throughout California. In 1974, with his brother Bill, Roger became the principal and co-founder of Sutter Insurance Company. He served as President until 2012.

He met his life partner Patricia Bridges while working in San Francisco and they were married in 1956. They moved to Marin County in 1960 to begin their family. Roger and Pat enjoyed golf and were longtime members of the Marin Golf and Country Club and Ironwood Country Club in Palm Desert where they enjoyed many great friendships and camaraderie. Sadly, Pat was lost to cancer in 2005. During this rough period Roger had tremendous support from his children and his brother Bill and sister-in-law Marion. Roger remained active in the lives of his family, in particular his grandchildren all of whom have had the good fortune to enjoy his unique humor and perspective into young adulthood.

Roger is survived by his daughter Diane, son in law Brett Raven, son Bill and grandchildren Alec, Paige and Nash Raven, Morgan and Max Kleinecke. Also surviving are brothers David (Anita) and Bill Kleinecke, (Marion), and his sister Julia Kent.

The family would like to thank Suncrest Hospice and the caring staff of Atria Life Guidance. In lieu of flowers the family welcomes contributions in Roger’s name to the Buck Institute or the Alzheimer’s Association.