Kermit L. Kliewer's Obituary
A farmer at heart, Kermit Lee Kliewer was born in Escondido, California, to Peter S. and Mable U. Kliewer. After completing college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he earned a Master’s degree and had the prize chicken, and serving in the army at Ft. Ord, Kermit started his career teaching high school agriculture science. After spending a year in Palmdale, California, Kermit and his wife Evelyn, whom he married in 1956, moved to Brawley where he spent 34 years teaching at Brawley Union High School. He loved teaching agriculture. He taught three generations of students, many of whom won State competitions, and 500 of whom came to his retirement party. He was honored as a California State Farmer in 1992, the year he retired. He then moved to his Valley Center ranch, located in north county San Diego, to continue to pursue his dream of farming avocados. He was very active in the community, serving in the Brawley Lions Club and various churches in Brawley and in Valley Center.
Kermit loved life. He had a lively sense of humor and enjoyed dancing, swimming, spending time outdoors, and people. Later in his career he and Evelyn traveled to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Hawaii. In retirement they also traveled to England, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and France. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Evelyn, and his sister Shirley Walsh. He is survived by his brother Walter Mark Kliewer (Helga); his four children, Wendy (Roger), Bruce (Jodi), Bonnie Spang (Tim), and Scott (Anabella); seven grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He will be missed by all.
What’s your fondest memory of Kermit?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kermit?
Share a story where Kermit's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kermit you’ll never forget.
How did Kermit make you smile?
