KENT ALAN KLEEBERGER

Kent Alan Kleeberger, 69, of Westerville, Ohio and Sanibel, Florida, passed away in his Westerville home on March 17, 2022. Kent was born in Toledo, Ohio, on April 9, 1952. He is preceded in death by his mother, Theresa (Hauer) Kleeberger, and his father, Paul L. Kleeberger.

Kent grew up in Perrysburg, where he met and married his high school sweetheart Gwen (Overmyer) Kleeberger. They were happily married for 46 years. Kent is survived by his wife, Gwen; daughter, Lindsey Sue Kleeberger; grandson, Wilson Kent Cooper-Kleeberger, and brother, David (Diane) Kleeberger. Kent also is survived by Joel Cooper (no relation), whom Kent mentored, but who was also like a son to him. Kent inspired so many people throughout his lifetime, and was a truly brilliant, humble, ethical, funny, witty, charming and successful man, who will be profoundly missed by his family, friends and colleagues.

Kent graduated with a business degree from the University of Cincinnati, where he also became a CPA. His career began at Peat Marwick and Mitchell (KPMG) of Toledo. He and his family later moved to Columbus (Westerville), where Kent took a position with Limited Inc. as corporate controller. He then moved to Victoria’s Secret Catalogue, where he served as the director of accounting operations, controller and vice president. Later, Kent took on the title of executive vice president, chief operating officer, and chief financial officer at Too Inc. (now Tween Brands), where he collectively spent 17 years working as a key player and asset for the three companies. Kent then went on to work for Dollar Tree Stores in Chesapeake, Virginia, as senior vice president and chief financial officer. After Dollar Tree Stores, Kent went to work for Chico’s FAS Inc. as their executive vice president and chief operating officer. Kent also was active as an independent consultant for various private equity firms. He also served on the board of directors at Shoe Carnival, where he was the longest standing board member in Shoe Carnival’s history. Kent had previously worked on other boards, including Aeropostale, Inc. and Christopher and Banks Corporation, where he served as director. Kent’s career history was without a doubt very impressive, and his family will always be proud of all he accomplished in the business world.

In Kent’s downtime he enjoyed many hobbies, such as golf, fishing, hockey, and he loved to travel. He was an avid wine collector, car enthusiast and loved to garden. Kent had a very refined palette and loved to cook as well. He was a true foodie. He also was a man of simple pleasures and enjoyed spending time with his family at home, at the beach or on a boat. He had a great sense of humor and was loved by all who met him. Kent Kleeberger was a man who was highly respected, beloved and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Kent’s family will welcome guests on Friday, April 1, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Schoedinger Northeast, 1051 East Johnstown Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kent’s memory to the Ohio State Brain and Spine Hospital and/or the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center. To leave online condolences, visit schoedinger.com.