LongeviQuest is saddened to report the death of the second oldest known Greenlandic man on the record, Jørgen Kleemann. He was born in the village of Aappilattoq, Municipality of Avannaata, Greenland on 7 March 1923 and passed away in his sleep on 11 May 2023 at Ippiarsuk, Nuuk, Greenland.
Mr. Kleemann was a well-known accordion player. He began publishing his music in 1980, and it has since become cassette tapes, CDs, and records. He made several of his music with his son Sejer Kleemann. In 2001, he was awarded the Greenland Medal for Meritorious Service, the highest award based in Greenland. He also received the Naalakkersuisut’s Cultural Prize for his work with music and theatre in 2014, which is also considered one of Greenland’s most prestigious awards.
He recently celebrated his 100th birthday on 7 March 2023, making him Greenland’s second known male centenarian. The mayor of Sermersooq Municipality gave him a Kaffemik celebration and extended a celebratory speech for Mr. Kleemann. His son mentioned that his father had been looking forward to turning 100.
On 28 February 2021, he became the oldest known living man and person in Greenland following the death of 102-year-old Anton Geisler (Greenland’s first known male centenarian, and the oldest Greenlandic man ever). His age has been verified by LongeviQuest using his baptismal record. Mr. Kleemann was Greenland’s only known centenarian at his death.
LongeviQuest is extending our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and friends of Mr. Jørgen Kleemann.