Overview

Heino Kleiminger (3 February 1939 – 16 April 2015) was a German footballer best known for his long association with clubs in northern East Germany and for his appearances with the East Germany national team. Born in Wismar in the region of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Kleiminger's playing career spanned the late 1950s through the early 1970s and placed him among the better known figures of his club, F.C. Hansa Rostock.

Early life

Kleiminger grew up in the port and coastal area around Wismar. He emerged from local football structures typical of the German Democratic Republic, where community and factory teams provided a pathway into the national leagues. Early reports and club histories note his progression from local sides to higher-level competition.

Club career

He began his senior career with local side FC Anker Wismar and later moved to F.C. Hansa Rostock, where he spent the majority of his playing years. During his time there he competed in the league and cup competitions organised under the East German system. Contemporary summaries provide a concise career overview, and season records are preserved in regional football archives and compilations.

International play

Kleiminger also represented the East Germany national football team. While not a household name internationally, he is referenced in histories of the national side and the period when East German football sought to establish itself on the European stage. Further context on the team during his era is available via the national team entry East Germany national team.

Later life and health

Following retirement from top-level play, Kleiminger remained a respected figure in regional football circles and was often mentioned in club histories and veteran events. He survived a massive heart attack in 1997 and underwent coronary bypass surgery in 1998; contemporary reports summarise these events and their impact on his life (heart attack report, bypass operation).

Family and legacy

His son, Ralf Kleiminger (born 1963), also became a footballer, continuing the family's connection to the sport. Kleiminger's name remains in discussions of Hansa Rostock's history and in local remembrances in coastal Mecklenburg. Clubs and local media noted his contributions after his passing.

Death

Heino Kleiminger died from cancer on 16 April 2015 in Rostock. Reports at the time recorded his age and recalled his years as a player, while local obituaries and summaries detailed his illness and the response from the football community (reports on his death).

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