Comfort and peace marked the passage of Kenneth J. Klein of Quincy Township, Adams County, Wisconsin on Monday, December 2, 2013, 16 days before his 75th birthday.
Kenny will be most remembered as a good husband, present and committed father and grandfather, beloved brother, “Redneck” favorite uncle, and good friend. Many family and friends enjoyed the hospitality and good company of Kenny Klein.
Mass of Christian burial will be on Thursday, December 5, 2013 at 11:30 a.m at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Friendship. Father James P. McNamee will officiate. Friends may call at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Interment will follow at Quincy Cemetery.
Ken was born December 18, 1938 in Friendship, Wisconsin to Leo and Catherine (Crane) Klein. He married Joan J. LaQuee on June 13, 1959 in Adams, Wisconsin. Together they built a loving marriage, good life and made a significant difference in the lives of foster son, Pete Hiller, Son, Danny Klein and grandson, Nick Klein.
Ken retired after over 45 years with the Town of Quincy, as Road Superintendent, and Adams County Highway Department. He also worked for Scott Construction in retirement. Ken served on the Adams County School Board for 15 years and was a charter member of the Jaycees and Castle Rock Lions. He also served as a volunteer firefighter for the Adams-Friendship Fire Department.
In his life Kenny enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing and hunting with family and friends.
The family appreciates the compassionate and competent care provided by Villa Pines Living Center staff that made Kens last days comfortable and supported the family members who were at his side.
Kenny was preceded in death by his wife, Joan; parents, Leo & Catherine Klein; brothers, Danny and Leo Jr.; brother-in-law, John Ramocinski; brother-in-law, Hank Filtz
Survivors:
Son: Dan (Michelle) Klein of Adams, Wisconsin
Son: Pete (Judy) Hiller of Nekoosa, Wisconsin
Grandson: Nicholas Klein of Adams, Wisconsin
Granddaughter: Alexis Kuhl of Adams, Wisconsin
Grandson: Quintin Kuhl of Adams, Wisconsin
Grandson: Mike Hiller of Friendship, Wisconsin
Granddaughter: Kerry Fisher of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Sister: Florence Ramocinski of Anaheim Hills, California
Sister: Dee Filtz of Anaheim, California
Brother: Robert (Joann) Klein of Huntley, Illinois
Further survived by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends
Your expressions of concern, care, visits and good wishes during this time of loss are much appreciated. Memorials will be directed to benefit Villa Pines Living Center to purchase recliners to accommodate families of end of life residents. They will also be used as an expression of appreciation for the caregiving staff.
Sorry to hear of your loss. Your in my thoughts and prayers. May God grant you peace.
I remember the first time we met Ken and Joan. We were camping at a campground up by Tomah with Michelle and Dan and they drove all the way there to meet us. We’re thankful that they welcomed Michelle and our family into their lives.
Danny and Family…..We are sorry for your loss. Kenny will now be joined with Joanne in peace. May all the memories be with us forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Along with Michelle Jensen, I too worked for Ken and Joanne at the cafe. These two treated us like family. Joanne always either laughing or initiating some sarcastic loving gesture toward Ken, urging us to join in. Without a doubt, they loved each other dearly.
Dan and family, so very sorry to hear about Ken. He will be missed dearly. Had a good time working for him back in 1995- 1999. He is resting peacefully with Joan now. So very sorry.
Dan, Michelle, Nick, Pete, Judy and all the family,
So very sorry for your loss. Sorry we missed the funeral, I only found out about it last nite and was told the wake was tonite and funeral Friday. So sorry I would have liked to have been there for you. We will remember Kenny with love and will remember his always smiling face. He always seemed upbeat and he brighten the room with his laughter. I still see him dressed for the Halloween dance as a Haystack. Only he could have thought of that! We will all miss him. He was a great man, always willing to help out when needed and a loving proud father. You are very lucky to have such wonderful memories to hold on to. Our thoughts and prayers are with you..
Cindy, Paul and Kimberly
Our deepest sympathy to the family. He was a great worker as well as upstanding man.
Scott Construction, Inc.
Condolences to the Klein family…
Kenny was a great mentor in my young life. He and Joanne were my first employers at Lakeview Cafe. I best remember the times that I would pack his lunches for him, and off to work for the township he would go..only to discover that little devilish “me” had sent him with a thermos of hot water, instead of the coffee he had expected..or sandwiches made with the wrappers left on the cheese..amongst other tricks! Can only imagine the names I may have been called, but he loved me no less for the pranks!
Rest in peace, my friend..May you and Joanne enjoy each other once again….
To the family of Ken, my deepest sympathy in your recent loss. God Bless all of you.
Danny, Pete and families, Our sincere condolences are being sent to you at this difficult time. Hold each other close and remember that he isn’t in pain anymore. He is now with Joan and they are both watching over you all.
I remember Kenny from my time on the fire department. My condolences on your loss.
Dan and family,
We’re so truly sorry for your loss your dad eas a great man…he will truly be missed by alot of people …thoughts and prayers are with you all…
Julianna and the kids
We are so very sorry for your loss. I hope with the good memories you have of your dad that brings you pease. Sending you hugs a prayer for your comfort during this difficult time.
We will hold in our memories many good times, growing up in one-room schools, 4-H, ice skating, classmates all through AFHS. Kenny and Joan were an important part of this area, participating in so many community events. Rest in Peace, dear friend. Condolences to all the family as you remember and cherish the memories.
Kenny was a super person, kind, funny-helpful. A Dellwood Halloween party was a hi light in his life- what clever costumes. My sympathy to all the family, may he rest in peace with Joanne.
To the Klein Family – My sympathy to you all. Kenny was a great guy. I always enjoyed visiting with he and Joan at the Klein get togethers.
KENNY AND I WERE SCHOOL CHUMBS MANY YEARS AGO, AND THOUGH OUR PATHS SELDOM CROSSED IN LATER YEARS, I HAVE ALLWAYS HAD VERY FOND MEMORIES OF ALL THOSE GOOD TIMES WE HAD TOGETHER. I ALSO REMEMBER HIS MOM & DAD WELL. THEY WERE GREAT PEOPLE, AND LEFT US TO SOON ALSO. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
ARE WITH ALL OF KENNYS FAMILY NOW AND ESPICALLY HIS CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN, MAY GODS BLESSINGS BE WITH YOU ALLWAYS..
Dan and family:
We are so sorry for your loss. Kenny was a great family friend. We will miss his good humor and generous smile. Please know that many warm memories can help move through this time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I went to school with Kenny and want to send his family condolences. He was a good person.
Pete, Judy and Families, We are so sorry for your loss. At a time like this, words just don’t heal your loss. Please know, that we are thinking of you. Praying for comfort and peace.
Very fond memories of Kenny and Joan. They are together again. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Dan and Pete. So sorry for your loss. Kenny was great guy and will be missed by many. He was always fun to visit with. I will always remember him and Joan at the cafe. Hold his memories close and each other closer. Our thoughts are with you all.
Danny and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I have many wonderful memories of both of your parents. They were like second parents to me while growing up.. Your Dad always had a smile that was full of life!!! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dan and family,
Words cannot express how sorry I am on the loss of Ken. In a short time I grew very fond of him with his big blue eyes and his smiles. I remember one morning I came in to sese him and he was wide awake and told me he was hungry. So I got him a sandwich and a carton of milk. I told him to get some rest and he says ok. Now he is reunited with his wife. He will forever be in my thoughts and I will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Danny and Family, I was saddened to hear about your Dad. Words can not express my sympathy. Please know that you are in my daily thoughts and prayers. Kenny was a terrific man, and I am grateful that our life paths crossed. Hoping that all the wonderful memories of him help you get through this difficult time.