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Funeral: 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Visitation: 5 until 8 p.m. Tuesday evening, June 28, at the funeral home
William “Bill” E. Klein Jr., age 64, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Wednesday morning, June 22, 2022, at his home.
He was born August 31, 1957, in Flora, the son of William E. and Emma Elizabeth (Meglich) Klein. He was united in marriage to Deborah E. Shipley on August 22, 1975, at First Christian Church of Flora, and together they have shared 46 wedding anniversaries.
An authentic conversationalist who enjoyed talking to people everywhere and of all ages, Bill often lightened the mood with his fun-loving nature and unique sense of humor. He wrapped his heart around his grandkids and welcomed their friends, was a loving “dog dad,” and enjoyed outdoor activities like camping, swimming, boating, and lighting fireworks. His contentment in riding side-by-sides and ATVs in recent years merely hinted at the adventures he experienced back in the days when he was known for racing motorcycles. Bill was a farmer, working alongside his father on their multi-generational owned land. A skilled welder, he had been invited to instruct Welding Technology courses at Olney Central College. He served as a past Illinois Farm Bureau Director and past member of the Flora Elks, Flora Eagles, and VFW Auxiliary.
He is survived by his wife: Deb Klein of Flora; his mother: Emma Klein of Flora; 5 grandchildren: Rase Collins of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Ryder (Taylor) Collins, Rowdy Collins, Ava Beth Billingsley, and Rylan Billingsley, all of Flora; a great-granddaughter: Evelynn Elaine Collins; a brother and 2 sisters: Troy (Michelle) Klein of Medway, Ohio, Bonnita (David) Brown of Keller, Texas, and Lorraine Waddell of La Crescenta, California; a sister-in-law: Kim (Bryan) Bullard of Rinard; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father: William E. Klein; and his beloved daughter: Jessika Elaine Klein-Billingsley.
A funeral ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Private interment will take place in St. Stephen Cemetery. Visitation will be 5 until 8 p.m. Tuesday evening, June 28, at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to Oil Belt Christian Service Camp or to St. Stephen Cemetery and will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a memory or condolence, visit: www.frankandbright.com
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
Caring thoughts and prayers to your family during this saddened time. May the memories of good times past remain in your hearts forever.
So sorry for your loss our deepest condolences
Bill, you were so genuine, one of the kindest, sweetest, gentlest soul’s I have ever had the privilege of knowing. You made the world a better place just be being in it. You are already sadly missed. Rest easy and I’ll see you on the flip side my friend ♥️
so sorry great guy
I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed each encounter with Bill. What a great voice. A very smart man too. I miss him already. Bill
I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was a great person.
We are so sorry for your loss, you are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you and your family.
Deb and Family: We are so very sorry for your loss. Prayers of comfort and strength for you and your grandchildren.
So very sorry Debbie you are in our thoughts and prayers 🙏 sending you lots of hugs 🫂 in this very difficult time for you 😢 I m praying for you this has to be really hard for you I know Bill was taking very good care of you you are in my prayers
So very sorry about your loss. Bill was a gentle man and a good soul. He will be missed so much by his family and friends. Fly high Bill!!!
Thank you for always looking out for me and treating me as family. I will always cherish the memories, I have of you and will definitely miss the "Bill" way of explaining things. You were a great soul, and I'm honestly going to miss you. Catch you on the flip side🖤
Debi , My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you and your family.
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
So sorry Deb. Thinking of you.
Condolences to the family...
Sorry to here of Bills passing. He was a wonderful person that could always make you laugh. Rest in peace my friend.
Prayers for strength and comfort Deb. My heart goes out to you during this time. Rest in Peace Bill.
The world lost a magnanimous man. Bill, you will be missed.
Bill… you were a welcome addition to our family. You endless sense of humor and your unwavering integrity made you someone I always admired. You will be missed.
Sorry for loss. Keeping all of family in prayers.
Bill was a fun loving adventure driven person. He will be missed.
So very sorry to hear about Bill. Was a shock to us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was a real good neighbor and friend.
We are truly sorry for you all!!! Bill was always fun to be around!! Praying for God's strength and comforting arms to surround you all!!!
I am so saddened by this news Debbie, you and Bill went through so much together. Praying for God to wrap His arms around your family and give you strength though this difficult time. Take care my friend.
So very sorry for your loss, prayers to all..
So sorry for your loss. Such great memories of vacationing together for years. Especially of Billy pulling us on tube only to do his best to throw us off! He was a great guy and will truly be missed.
Oh Deb! I’m so very sorry to hear this. May God wrap his loving arms around you and bring you peace
We are so very sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort and strength for each of the family members.
We are all so very sorry for your loss and we are keeping each of you in our thoughts and prayers.
I have been reading the messages from family and friends. Bill is loved and respected by so many. As a family, we are blessed you brought him to us. He is the leader of your family and will be forever missed. God bless.
So sorry to hear this. Prayers for you and your family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all I'm so sorry for your loss he was a hell of a guy
Sorry to hear of Bills passing. Thoughts n prayers for family n friends. 🙏🙏
So very sorry for your loss, prayers to all..
So very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers. 💔
We are so sorry to hear about Bill's death, our Prayers are with you all as you work through this loss.
Deb: We were so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Thoughts and prayers for comfort. We have watched him farm by our house many times. It was always good to talk to him. Great guy..gone too soon. Take care of yourself.
So sorry for your loss
Deb and grandchildren, Our deepest condolences to you all. You are in our prayers for peace and comfort. Love Mark and Tammy Kangas
So sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. I will always miss his friendship.
Oh Bill, such a kind loving soul. Hard working and always cracking jokes making Deb and I laugh every time I worked for you guys. My thoughts and prayers are heavily with your family and especially your soulmate. Rest In Peace my friend.
Our deepest sympathy and prayers.
To the Family of Bill Klein: Please accept my condolences for the loss of your Father. He was a great man and a great friend.
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]
