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Jan 16th, 1922 - Apr 11th, 2014Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at St. Stephen's Catholic Church
Visitation: 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at Frank & Bright Funeral Home with rosary service following
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.
Jul 20, 1934 - Apr 14, 2024
Nov 1, 1976 - Apr 13, 2024
Aug 31, 1955 - Apr 12, 2024
Apr 22, 1958 - Jan 18, 2024
Feb 25, 1973 - Mar 26, 2024
Barb, I am so sorry for your loss. May your memories bring you comfort and may you find peace knowing you will see him again one day. My condolences to you and your family. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Gerald, Barbara, Jodi and family, So terribly sorry for your loss. Your dad and grandpa was a very fine man. I know my dad considered him a friend and that speaks volumes to me. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Julie
REST IN PEACE. BLESS THE FAMILY.
My thoughts and prayers for your family. Gerald was a very nice man, who always had a story to tell. He was a wonderful family man. What an awesome reunion he and your mother will have.
Gerald, Barb and Family, We are sad to hear of your sweet dad's passing. He did lots of work on our tractor and Bud enjoyed visiting with him when he took it in for repairs. I'm thankful that I met him and corresponded with him. He was a kind and good man. He will be missed by many. Please know that y'all are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God bless and comfort you.
While we will be unable to offer condolences personally, know that our thoughts and prayers are with you as you travel through this difficult time. He will be sorely missed.
Barb, I am sorry that your father has passed. I remember how kind and sweet he was to me when my mother was in hospital and we knew we were going to lose her. He offered to pray with me and said a very comforting prayer. I remember how he was concerned he was that at the time I was alone. He checked on my sister and I often. I will remember him with the compassion he showed us. Please know you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear of his passing. Thoughts and prayers to all who love him.
Prayers for comfort to all the family at this time. It is never easy letting a loved one go....no matter the age. You are in our thoughts and are being lifting up in prayer.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. May the memories you have aways live a smile on your hearts.
May God bless you
Barb- thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. As if it were yesterday I remember your dad taking you and I to the girl scout father/daughter banquet. Every time I saw your parents we talked about that night. He really was a special person and I understand how much you will miss him. He will be missed by everyone that knew him.
Hugs to all the family i never had the privelage to spend much time with my great grandad I know he was a wonderful man- heaven gained another angel. Faithfuy departed and thinking about everyone and my grandmother alice so sorry for the loss love u all!!
So sorry for your loss. May you take comfort in knowing he is in God's Kingdom.
So sorry for your families loss. All my thoughts and prayers.
Barb and Family, we send our thoughts and prayers to you all.
Barb, I'm sorry for your loss. I remember delivery lots of stuff to your dad's garage and he was always so nice to me.
Gerald and Pat always held a special place in my heart--so many memories of going over to their house with Jodi throughout our childhood and into adulthood. The last time I saw Gerald he gave me a big hug--I will never forget it.
I went to the nursing home and told Jim Ross about Gerald's passing. Gerald's almost the last contemporary Jim has left and he will be missed. Gerald and Jim (and later myself) worked closely on business at Trago Lake. May God bless the family.
Im going to miss listening to your stories Grandad, I love and miss you!
Gerald was always a great friend and political mentor. I will miss him.
Barb and family So sorry for your loss. Your Dad was one GREAT person!! I know how hard this time is, but God will see you all through it. Remember all the good times and rejoice all of them. Think how he and your mom are celebrating now!!!
So Sorry About Your Loss May God Comfort you In this time of Sorrow
are thoughts and prayers are with you , sorry for you loss . will miss him
are thoughts and prayers are with you , sorry for you loss . will miss him
Barbara & Family: We are sorry we couldn't be there for you-He was our good neighbor and friend and will be sorely missed by the Jamison's
I have very fond memories of Mr. Klein....Barb and I spent a lot of time in his garage. He also took me to Trago Lake and to the Moose to dance when his band would play. He and Pat were awesome and I am so lucky to have had a friend like Barb and her parents in my like. Love you Barb and family
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]
