Bob Kletcke

Robert Allen Kletcke, of Augusta, Georgia peacefully passed away on May 23, 2024, with his family by his side. He was born on April 23, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois and is preceded in death by his parents Edwin Allen Kletcke and Regina Stanwich and his sister Marlyn Witt.  He is survived by his wife, Susan Horton Kletcke and two daughters, Letitia Kletcke Wilson (Gene) and Elizabeth Anne Kletcke (Jay); grandson, Robert Faulkner Wilson; brother, Charles Edwin Kletcke (Lily). He is also survived by stepson, Richard Trevor Seigler (Yvette), Aiden, Harlee and Oaklee Seigler.  

Bob had a lifelong passion for studying, playing, and teaching the game of golf. He began following in his father’s footsteps competing in and winning amateur tournaments in Chicago in the 1950’s. Bob’s father, Ed (The Golfing Fireman), won the Cook County Amateur three times. Bob won it in 1958. Bob later played on the PGA Tour the summer of 1967, but found his greatest joy was teaching. He taught President Eisenhower, Vice Presidents Richard Nixon and Spiro Agnew and Secretaries of State James Baker and George Schultz. Not only could Bob teach, but he could play. Twice he shot 63 from the member tees at the Augusta National Golf Club and once shot 62 at Grandfather Golf and Country Club. He holds the Augusta National Golf Club Par Three Course record. 

Bob was a PGA Professional for over 60 years. He spent 42 years as the Head Golf Professional (along with Dave Spencer) at the Augusta National Golf Club in the wintertime and held the same position at Grandfather Golf and Country Club in the summertime. Additionally, Bob held positions at Park Ridge Country Club in Chicago, IL, Wakonda Country Club in Des Moines, IO, and Linville Golf and Country Club, Linville, NC.  Bob retired in 2004 and could often be found on the practice tee giving lessons to friends and family who sought his advice on their golf swing. Bob also enjoyed time at Westlake Country Club, The Alotion Club and The Olde Farm. 

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Bob’s many friends who were a great source of strength and comfort. A special thanks to Comfort Keepers for their devoted care and the Comfort Care medical team at Piedmont Augusta who provided exceptional treatment and support during his final days.  

Bob was a long time Trustee for the John F. Smiekel Foundation and supported many local charities in the Augusta, GA and Linville, NC area. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite local charity.  

The family will receive friends on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 2:00pm to 3:00pm, followed by a celebration of Bob’s well-lived life at 3:00pm, at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, Augusta, GA. For those that choose to, wear your favorite golf attire. The service will be live-streamed (link below) for those who are unable to attend. 

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcxNjUyNjE0MjEzNTgwOTMmb25lcm9vbS1lbWFpbCZpbnZpdGF0aW