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Celebration of Life Ceremony: 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Burial: St. Stephen Cemetery
Visitation: 6 until 8 p.m. on Friday, September 12, at the funeral home
Michelle Klein, 53, of Medway, Ohio, passed away Friday evening, September 5, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Michelle was born March 27, 1972, in Flora, Illinois, the cherished firstborn child of David and Trudy (Hamilton) Koontz. In the sanctuary of First Christian Church in Flora, on August 25, 1990, she married her best friend, Troy Klein, and together they wrote a 35-year love story that included four children, a grandson, and in recent years, being a “mom” to a Great Dane named Winston.
Michelle’s surviving family includes her husband, Troy, of Medway, and her parents, David and Trudy Koontz of Flora. She was an adoring mother to her kids: son, Graham Klein and spouse, Sarah, of Cincinnati, Ohio; daughter, Allie Klein and spouse, Brooks, of Rochester, New York; son, Matthew Klein and partner, Katherine Sakelariou, of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and son, Lucas Klein of Medway. She was a loving grandma to Oliver Klein. She is also survived by her beloved siblings: brother, Bret Koontz and spouse, Ginger, and sister, Kari Thackrey and spouse, Evan, all of Flora; and her nieces and nephews.
Cystic Fibrosis was a lifelong battle for Michelle and was ultimately what led to her passing. Much progress has been made in recent years in treating CF, but more work remains to be done. Her grandson, Oliver, was the center of her world, and watching him in a video that was sent to her, or getting to actually visit with him was always the highlight of her day—especially so if she had the opportunity to spoil him. She strove to be like her own grandmother, lovingly known as "Granny Mo.” Michelle carried the gentleness, love, and compassion of Granny Mo throughout her whole life. Michelle adopted every friend of her children as her own, and they didn’t have a choice. Many of them still think of her as—and call her—“mom,” just as her own children do.
In everyday life, Michelle enjoyed scrapbooking and following true-crime investigations, courtroom trials, and documentaries. She loved simply talking with her kids and their partners about their days, and could often be heard singing along to ’60s and ’70s folk and rock music with a voice that will live on in the hearts and memories of those who shared her life and love.
A Celebration of Life Ceremony for Michelle will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Burial will follow in St. Stephen Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. on Friday, September 12, at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and will be accepted through the funeral home or online by visiting https://www.cff.org/donate. To share a condolence or memory, please visit: www.frankandbright.com
Jan 23, 1938 - Oct 25, 2025
Sep 12, 1931 - Oct 24, 2025
Aug 27, 1931 - Oct 21, 2025
May 9, 1961 - Oct 18, 2025
Mar 16, 1933 - Oct 17, 2025
Mr. Koontz, im so sorry yo hear of the passing of your daughter!! I know Mo was there and met her with open arms at the gates of heaven!! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days as you lay her to rest!!
So sorry for your Loss.
Dave, Trudy and family, I’m sorry for your loss and pray for your peace and comfort🙏🏻
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Koontz and Hamilton families.
My sincere condolences to Michelle’s family. She was one of my first friends when we moved to Flora and a very sweet soul.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sorry for your loss.
Very sorry to learn this. Our thoughts and prayers are with all your.
Trudy, Mr.K and family, so sorry to hear this, you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
My condolences to the family at this time 🙏
Prayers up for peace and comfort for all loved ones.
David, Trudy; Bret, Kari and Families ; Troy and Family: Our hearts are broken over the loss of your beautiful Michelle 💔 Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and in the days ahead. May God comfort and sustain you. RIP Michelle 💕
Dave, Trudy & family, Our sincere condolences are with you all. We pray for peace and comfort for you, Troy and family. May God heal your hearts as you focus on cherished memories.
Michelle’s passing is such a great loss to so many. We knew her as a sweet young girl and later Mom to Graham. We haven’t see her for years but hear of her from her parents, our long time friends, David and Trudy. Our prayers are with her family. May God’s presence and peace be evident in the days ahead. Love to all! ❤️
I'm so sorry to hear of Michelle's passing. She was a very sweet girl.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our son David learned to play trumpet with Dave. Many activities he shared with Brett. She will be held in your heart until you see her again. Prayers for family.
My heartfelt condolences for you and your family. Love and prayers
We are sorry to learn of your great lose, Michelle, Our Prayers are with you and your FAMILIES in these next few days, & weeks. May God put His arms around you, giving you Peace.
David and Trudy, We are so sorry for Michelle’s passing. Hugs to all of your family. We love you! 🩵
We are so sorry, you are in our thoughts and prayers
So sorry to hear of Michelle's passing. She was such a sweet person. We will continue to keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
My deepest condolences to Troy, the kids, and the whole family. I will always cherish the memories of hanging out with my dear friend when we lived in Maryland together. May our Lord Jesus Christ comfort you during this time. Rest in peace Michelle. Love always, Cathy Almirol
Trudy and David, so sorry to hear about your loss. Can not imagine it. Take Care, keep the heads up. She deserves that.
We are sad to hear of the loss of Michelle. Be consoled by the many happy memories that you share of happier days together. There is strength in the faith you have as a family devoted to the LORD. Blessings to each of you.
There no words to express how sorry I am am for your loss Trudy and David. You all have been in my thoughts and prayers. 🫂❤️
Rest in peace my inspirational and courageous friend. You are so missed.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
