Leonard M. Klein's Obituary
Leonard Matthew Klein, age 89, passed away at Riverside Hospital in Waupaca, WI on Saturday, January 22, 2011.
He was born October 10, 1921, to Michael and Emma (Severson) Klein in Evanston, Illinois. He graduated from Valders High School in 1939. On April 13, 1940, he married Adeline Elaine Ellestad. They shared 66 years together up until her passing in February 2007. Leonard served his country in the Army during World War II. He farmed in the Kiel/St. Nazianz area and also worked at Brillion Iron Works, the Sinclair Service Station and U.S. Oil Service Station in Chilton, and drove semi-tractor trailer cross country. Leonard's last years of employment were in the maintenance department at Calumet Medical Center in Chilton. After retirement, they moved to Townsend, WI, in March 1984, to a beautiful setting in the north woods, where Leonard worked part-time at the Forest Service in Lakewood, WI. In May 1998, they moved to the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King WI, where he resided until his passing.
Leonard is survived by: Four sons: James (Nancy) Klein, Queen Creek, AZ; Richard (Dee) Klein, Appleton, WI; Thomas (Mary) Klein, Appleton, WI; Gerald (Michele) Klein, Queen Creek, AZ. Two daughters: Louise (Dennis) Raube, Lindenhurst, IL; and Gail (Keith) Schommer, Chilton, WI.
Daughter-in-law: Karen Steldt Klein, Brussels, WI
Other survivors include: 19 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, 5 great great-grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Adeline; his son, Leroy; his parents; 2 brothers and sister-in-laws, Ralph & Mildred Klein and Hank & Josephine Klein; and a sister, Annabelle. Visitation will take place Wednesday, January 26th, at the Wisconsin Veterans Home Main Chapel in King, WI at 12:00 p.m., with a memorial service to follow at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be in Faith Lutheran Cemetery in Valders, WI at a date to be determined.
Leonard's family wishes to thank the staff at the Wisconsin Veterans Home, who became like a second family to him; the wonderful staff at Riverside Hospital in Waupaca, and Chaplain Wayne Schwanke for their diligent care and support. A.J. Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.
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