John Klein
John Klein, 89, of Friendship, passed away February 26, 2023, at Fairview Nursing Home, Mauston.
Graveside services, with military honors, will be held at 12:00 noon at Quincy Cemetery, Saturday, April 15, 2023. Pastor John Stake will officiate.
John was born August 1, 1933, to John and Lillian Klein, in Quincy and grew up on the family farm, just south of his grandparents original homestead, which is now Caste Rock Park. He was one of the last third generation of the 1880’s homesteaders in this area, to be a lifelong resident. He attended Hadlock School and AF High School. He entered the Army in 1955, with basic training at Fort Leonard Wood and served in Germany, until 1957. He attended St. Joseph’s In Adams-Friendship. He met Paula that summer, on the beach at Castle Rock. She was swimming and he was waterskiing. They were married August, 1958 and ‘their kid’ was born a year later. John was a farmer as well as a Master Plumber and Steamfitter, belonging to Local 118. He worked on many jobs across the states, the Portage Nuclear power plant, Hersheys, Johnson Wax, and all the paper mills, to name a few. As a very young man, he also worked construction on the Mirror Lake Bridge.
John enjoyed playing guitar and singing, in a band with his parents and sister, and later with his wife and family and friends, Teaching his grandkids and great grandkids hunting and fishing and loving the land, were times he enjoyed most.
John was preceded in death by, his wife, Paula, his son in law Larry Smith, brothers Augie Klein, Larry Klein sisters; Dolly Holtz McLain, Sylvia Goslawski, Ruth Anne Gorlen, Olive Lol Turek.
He is survived by his daughter, Coral “my little kid” Smith; grandson, Drew (Theresa) Smith; granddaughter, Nicole (Dane Mitchell) Doskocil; great-grandchildren: Taryn Smith, Kyle Smith, Blake Smith, and Keller Smith; sister, Carole (John) Havel; sisters-in-law: Carol Eineicher, Dorothy Koivisto, and Sallie Heilie.
Many thanks to Norm and Diane Turek and Patrick Pare and Beccy Pare for the help and care the past two years and the fine staff at Fairview Nursing home for their love and care this past year, and to Roseberry’s Funeral Home for their kind assistance.
Dear Coral and family, Deepest sympathy on the passing of your Dad. The great memories will be with you and give you comfort.
Carol so very sorry to read about your dad’s passing. He was such a good person. Always had a smile, just like your mom. You were blessed to have such wonderful parents. We all shall miss them. You are such a strong person, I truly admire your fortitude and outlook on life. May God comfort and give you peace in the days ahead.
Sending big hugs! I did have the privilege of meeting your parents many years ago, I can’t say enough good things about both of them. Always smiling and so very comforting to be around. Although your heart my be saddened of his passing, take comfort in your belief that he is with your mom, the love of his life. Can you imagine how bright their smiles were when they got to see each other again!!!
Coral – Diane and I are so sorry for your loss. Your dad was an amazing person and we know how much he will be missed. I have so many fond memories of the neighbor get togethers we used to have with your family when we were kids! Your mom and dad playing guitars and everyone singing all those wonderful folk songs! The work was fun too – when we all got together to bale hay or cut firewood. I hope you can treasure those moments and good times as much as I do. I am sorry this is so delayed – but our thoughts are with you and we will cling to the great memories as a reflection of John’s life lived well.
Dan and Diane
Coral, I am so sorry for you loss-may your memories help heal your loss. As those you who have passed continue to do-he will also send you reminders he is near -sending hugs my dear friend ❤️❤️
Coral, I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.❤️🙏🏻
I am happy I got to meet your dad, Coral. He had quite the twinkle in his eye. With sympathy
So sorry to hear of John passing away. I knew Larry his brother. Nice man.and friend. He,s in a better place even if he will be greatly missed. My husband Cleon used to speak highly of the family. Remember good times. It,s what keeps you going. My husband passed away 12 years ago. It,s hard sometimes. God bless you know and always. No more pain. He,s at peace now.
Coral-did not know your family per say–only in chance meetings etc-but have always heard good things/stories about all of you. I know more about your family from things you have shared-and through your family. I am so sorry for your loss-happy he will be reunited with your mother. I think John and Paula would be proud looking down on you–and i’m 100% sure they are! May both your parents rest in peace.
Coral & family – Becca & family- Our thoughts & prayers are with you while you are going through this sad time. May God help you through this sad time. Hans & Dorothy Menck
To Coral, Drew, Nicole, and families. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Hold each other close and share all the wonderful memories you have of Jr. He was a great dad, grandfather and great grandfather. Words are hard during times like these, but know that you are loved. We are sending you hugs and want you to know that we are thinking of you.
We didn’t know John well, but we sure enjoyed his beautiful flowers. He will be missed.
Drew, Coral and families- we are so sorry! You are in our thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace. He was a great guy.
Our sympathy to you and your families, Coral. Your dad was a great man.
I’m so sorry for your loss Coral. Your father was a wonderful man that was a joy to be around. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Coral so sorry for your loss, we want our parents to live forever! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.🙏💔😥
Coral, Drew and Teresa, Nicole and grands;
I remember the first time I met your Dad. Always sweet and smiling. We miss his visits and stories he’d share about the family. What a remarkable man. How he and your Mom loved their family. May those precious memories sustain you all in your time of loss. I always say I’ll see him on the other side.
Love you all ❤️
So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
My Sweet Coral and Clan! Or shall I say “Queen of Quincy! 🫠 I love you so MUCH! Great memories of us all together back in the day. Some of my most fondest memories! We are sorry for your loss of Uncle John. 😥
Oh what a beautiful man! So so many good memories! And what a couple John and Paula were. A love like no other. I’m glad they are together again even though we miss their presence. Coral and I as high schoolers would try to pull a fast one on them at times! But they knew better! Or we weren’t so smart. (What’s that smoke coming out of your bedroom window?!). I could go on and on. This hit my heart hard. Till we meet again
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS CORAL & FAMILY!!! JOHN WILL BE REMEMBERED AS SUCH A NICE GUY WITH AN AWESOME SMILE THAT WOULD MAKE EVERYONE ELSE SMILE!!! RIP JOHN!!!
So very sorry for the loss of your Dad. May your memories of your times together give you the comfort and strength to get through this difficult time. Imagine the peace he is feeling right know living with our Heavenly Father.
Ray and I send our love and prayers to Coral and all others who knew and loved John. May he rest in peace.
Coral
I am so sorry for your loss, what a wonderful man. Sending prayers and hugs
Coral, my sweet little Sis, my heart hurts for you.
You and your wonderful children have given your dad many happy memories to to recall in os hislast days!
He could not have found better family members to care for and about him.
1-4-3
Coral and family, your dad and mom are two of my most favorite people on the planet ❤️ I know this is easy to say, but I 💯 believe that we all will be reunited in Heaven, this Earthly journey is but a vapor. But while we’re here, we will miss them greatly 😢 Love you so much. ❤️
There is a special place in my heart for this man. Love and will miss you John. There is not enough space to tell all the memories we have along with my Darling Sis Paula . Coral they couldn’t have asked for a more loving and caring Daughter. You your children and Grandchildren hold your memories close to your heart-Love you all Aunt Carol E.
Coral I’m sad to hear about your father he was a great guy
Coral and family, Our most sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad. You must have the most awesome memories to share and keep close in your heart.
When I was a young boy from Superior Uncle and Aunt would pick me up in their diesel pickup and I would be in Friendship for the whole summer. I have a lot of memories that I would treasure forever. Uncle John was a kind man and Aunt Paula was a wonderful mentor. William Koivisto, Jr. (Dorothy’s son)
ohh the stories our Dads would tell. It made you feel like you were there. The 2 Jr.s are up in Heaven telling more stories I’m sure. Coral can’t you just hear it…hey June remember the time when…..lol.
Prayers love and hugs to you all ❤.
Uncle John was certainly a character! I have a lot of memories of him and Aunt Paula. One memory of him is when I was a little girl, I carried a blanket around with me all of the time. We had traveled from Superior to grandpas and grandmas and Uncle John always teased me about my blanket. We were all standing under one of the big trees on the land and Uncle threw my blanket up high on a branch. As a little girl, I was crying. I remember him offering me a whole lot of change from his pocket if I would keep the blanket up there for a nest for all of the birds. I wouldn’t take him up on his bribe and remember Aunt Paula helping uncle climb the tree to retrieve it. They both had a special place in our families heart and I think of them often. It is so hard to lose loved ones. The memories will last forever! ❤️Tanya Colby(Dorothy’s daughter)
With my deepest sympathy for Coral and family. I know he will be deeply missed. I wish I could have been there more often because I always came away with a since of goodness and peace in my heart. I know he loved me and Always came to say hi when I would visit. Some of my best memories have been coming to visit Paula and John. They were the best and now together again.
John was very friendly and was always smiling. When I used to come up to turkey hunt or fish with Larry. He always came over to say hello. The first time hunting he met me coming out of the woods and invited me over to sit and visit. He told me where to sit hunting and even what he had seen. He was also present when Larry and I lanced my thumb. He thought we were nuts for using a drill, and so did Coral. He told me tales of hunting racoons on the bluffs. He was a very good man. RIP John
Uncle John was a very kind gentleman. Always willing to help anyone at any time with whatever had to be done.R.I.P
Uncle John. We love you. Big hugs to you cuz!
Coral, Drew and Theresa, Nicole and Dane,
I am so sorry for your loss. I always knew him as Junior. He liked to have a slice of zucchini bread or banana bread with a cup of coffee when he’d stop for a visit. He could forecast the weather better than the meteorologists, especially if we were on the backside of a front. I have such lovely memories of Aunt Paula too and take comfort that they are together again. I know you all have special memories and photos to bring you comfort. May you feel God’s presence with you in your sadness.
John was a fine man that I always looked up to.
Take comfort that he was loved by many relatives and friends.
God bless.
My condolences Coral, Drew,Nicole , and your family. John was always so sweet and kind. So many wonderful memories!!!! Him and Paula were so amazing !! They’re together watching over all of you. Love you guys
Coral & Family so sorry for the loss of your Dad -Grandpa My thoughts & prayers are with you ❤️
I’ve never met him, but he sounded like a wonderful man that Nicole has shared with me may you keep his memory in your heart. It will bring you comfort in the days to come
Coral you and your family are in our thoughts. Huge hugs to all
Our sincere condolences Coral to you, Drew, Nicole and the grands. Although it was his time to go be with your Mom & Larry, it’s still hard to turn that page and say goodbye. I’m so glad I got to see him again the days before he passed. He and your Mom are smiling down on you with so much love and gratitude for the amazing daughter they were able to share with the rest of us that were lucky enough to have you touch our lives in one way or another. Rest in peace Uncle John, and rest easy Coral, you have earned it.
Coral and the whole wonderful family, we are so lucky to have such great people in our lives and you had the best. All of those wonderful memories will bring you tears and laughter. Welcome them both. That is what memories are for.
Of the thousands of words I’d like to say,guess the only important ones are: the community will sorely miss him and wish only peace for all
Coral..I always loved reading the stories you posted about your dad…He was a wonderful man and I am so sorry for your loss. It is such a blessing that your kids, grandkids, and great grandkids were able to know him..and love him as you do. Love and hugs to you my friend ❤
Sorry for the loss of you dad. He will be missed dearly 😢. Our condolences to you and your family.
Coral and family I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is with you. John was a kind soul. God Bless
Coral and family. I am so sorry for you family’s loss. He was very special man to so many. Keeping you in my thought and prayers.
I am so sorry Coral, wish I could share some coffee and friendly banter with you and most of all give you a huge hug. Thinking of you always, Sam Afrank, your sincere friend. Be comforted in knowing that his sole is in heaven!!
Coral Im so sorry for the loss of your dad. It was an honor to know your dad. He is so kind, sweet and we all love him. He is such a good hearted peraon and he treated as all like his grandkids. Calling him “grandpa” also bring a smile in his face. We sure gonna miss him. Also may the Lord bring you and your family peace and comfort. Hugs and prayers for you my friend.
So very sorry on the loss of your father
Hold your memories close
Coral, so sorry for your loss. You are a terrific daughter and took such good care of your mom and dad both. Hugs and prayers to you and your family.
Such a great man so many memories of visiting with him when Drew wog and me were riding go-carts and 4 wheelers on the farm as kids ❤️❤️
Coral our condolences to you and your family. Sid and Terrie Kaminski
I will always have such fond memories going out visiting with Grandma Dolly. Junior & Paula’s was a favorite stop of mine. Sorry to hear of his passing – deepest sympathy Coral & family.
So very sorry for you and your families loss. You have many wonderful memories to hold in your heart.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God bless you
Such a very nice man. The love between John and Coral was so evident in Coral’s photos ❤️
So sorry for the loss of your beloved father
Aw, my Daddy. You’ve been such a good one and I’m so sad to say goodbye.
I hope you find Heaven is as beautiful as they say.
You will always be remembered here and your good teachings and work in all, will live on.
I love you.
Am so sorry to read about John’s passing. I always enjoyed visiting with him & Paula. Deepest sympathy, Coral & family.
Our thoughts are with you and your family Coral; may your memories bring you comfort in the days ahead. Hugs.