1925 – Gerald “Jerry” Charles Klein – 2018
Jerry Klein was born on March 26, 1925 in Rock Rapids, Iowa to Christopher and Mable Johnson Klein. He grew up in Rock Rapids until 1941 when the family moved to California for a year. In 1942 the family moved to a farm near Dundee, Minnesota where Jerry graduated from Fulda High School in 1944. On November 21, 1945 Jerry enlisted in the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge of December 22, 1946 he returned to the family farm. On October 9, 1949 he and Iris Norton were married at the United Methodist Church in Worthington, Minnesota. Following their marriage they made their home in Dundee for one year before moving to Aurora, Illinois where Jerry worked for the Richard’s-Wilcox Company. They retired in 1987 and moved to Slayton, Minnesota. In 2014 Jerry became a resident of the Slayton Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. Jerry passed away at the Murray County Medical Center in Slayton on Saturday, July 21, 2018 at the age of 93. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Slayton serving on the finance council and as treasurer. He also was a member of the Slayton American Legion Post, the Slayton VFW Post, the Slayton Country Club and the Slayton Kiwanis Club. In his younger day’s Jerry served as a Boy Scout Leader and Little League coach. Jerry enjoyed coffee time with his friends, visiting, golfing, bowling, walking on the beach in Florida, riding his bike, gardening and caring for his lawn. Jerry never met a stranger.
Survivors include his wife Iris Klein, Slayton, MN; two sons: Reed “Chuck” and Kandy Klein, Sugar Grove, IL and Mark and Elizabeth Klein, Gainesville, GA; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister Anamary Pescatori and her husband Frank.
Memorial services will be held at United Methodist Church in Slayton, MN on Friday, July 27, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Ethanie Schmidt and Pastor Dave Hollis officiating. The organist is Janet Voges with special music by Sue Muck. Interment will be private. Military honors accorded by the Slayton American Legion Post and the Slayton VFW Post.
Visitation will be on Thursday, July 26, 2018 at the Totzke Funeral Home in Slayton from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and also on hour prior to the services at the church on Friday. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com
