Frank & Bright Funeral Home

Gerald Klein

Jan 16th, 1922 - Apr 11th, 2014

 

    Gerald A. Klein, 92, returned to his Heavenly Father on Friday, April 11, 2014 surrounded by his family. 

    Mr. Klein began his life’s journey on January 16, 1922 when he was born to William E. and Evelyn (Davis) Klein in Flora, Illinois.  While our country was in a Depression, on April 9, 1940, he married Patricia Eileen Buckingham at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Flora.  Throughout their 71 years of marriage, the couple has been blessed with four children.  His beloved wife Pat passed away on August 7, 2011.

    Gerald served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army from 1944-46 during World War II.  He then started in business in 1950 owning G.A. Klein’s Garage repairing autos, and then an Oliver dealership and later White Farm Equipment.  Gerald served as Harter Township Trustee for 48 years, was involved in the Harter Township/Trago Lake Fishing Club and served as president.  Throughout his life, Gerald was always willing to lend a helping hand or provide assistance to others when needed. He was a man of strong faith, being a lifetime member of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.  He enjoyed singing and music and was organizer and bandleader of the “Black Knights” band, playing sax, guitar and singing.  Even during his “retirement” years and the times spent in Key Largo, Gerald continued playing music.  He and Pat enjoyed dancing, traveling, vacationing, and camping, and had visited the entire continental United States and Hawaii.  

    He is survived by daughter Alice Swaim of Manteno, son Gerald E. Klein of Flora, and daughter Barbara (Joe) McGrew of Flora.  Survivors also include grandchildren Ronnie Armstrong, Scott (Linda) Armstrong, Jennifer (Craig) Wieseman, Jodi (Rob) West, and Danielle McGrew and a brother William E. (Emma) Klein.  He also is survived by 15 great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews and a very special brother-in-law Kenny Myers.  Mr. Klein was preceded in death by his parents, wife, daughter Virginia Lee Klein, grandson Greg Armstrong, brother Don Klein, and sister Evelyn Myers. 

    Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 15, 2014, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home from 5-8 p.m. with a rosary service following.  A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church with interment following in Elmwood Cemetery with military honors.