Nov. 2, 1928 to Jun. 11, 2013
Bill was born in Clifton, New Jersey, to William
Charles Klein, II and Maude Anna Andras. He finished school there, where he excelled, and spent summers on Sound Shore with his family where he eventually became a lifeguard. After high school he started a job as a mail boy with F. Schumacher and Company, and soon he was selling drapery fabrics in New York. He was in the National Guard and attended St. Olaf Church where he met Ase Violet Swensen. When he was given a sales territory in Illinois, the two married.
Bill was a very hard worker and supported his wife and four children comfortably. He was very curious and adventurous and took his family on many wonderful vacations across the country and in Norway. During family vacations at Holden Village, he became an avid mountain climber and swimmer of glacial lakes, which he and Bill junior continued to do together for years, all over the world. In 1979 he became a district sales manager for the western states and moved to Los Angeles, CA (a golfer’s paradise), with Violet. Bill was a quiet hero who worked for 5 Decades at his company with integrity, charm, and committed gusto. He and Violet moved to Solvang, CA, in his retirement, where he enjoyed golf, cards, and many adventures. Violet became ill and passed away in 2008. After two lonely years he met Barbara Marsh, who was planning to move in to the apartment next door. Before long, he was dating her, and then marrying her soon after (May 28, 2011). He and Barbara had much in common and enjoyed many world travels and enjoyable activities over the next two years. In the spring of 2013, Bill was having a back problem diagnosed, and the MRI showed a small tumor, which had traveled down from a large brain tumor. He went from healthy and vibrant one day to extremely ill the next. When the therapy didn’t help, Bill, a man of strong faith, decided to leave it for the Lord to handle. Barbara was courageous and dedicated to him, spending every waking moment seeing to his needs and just being with him. She called the family in on June 9th. They all flew in on June 10th and were able to be with him during his last hours. He is now at peace and with the Lord and all the saints and angels.
Bill is survived by his wife, Barbara Marsh Klein, his son William Klein IV and daughter-in-law Laurie, his daughter Deborah Fritts and his son-in-law Steven, his daughter Ingrid Wilson and his son-in-law Mark, his daughter Stephanie, his grandchildren Eric and Brian Wilson, Rachel Barnet and spouse Damon, Kristin Opland and spouse Matthew, Michael Jech, Melanie Heritage, his great-grandchildren Landen Opland, Martin Petrilli, his brother Norman Klein and spouse Janet, their sons Craig, Mark, and Scott, and his cousin Marilyn Boehn.
Bill was well-loved by many, and will be sorely missed. Memorial Service will be held at Bethania Lutheran Church on Friday, June 14th, at 11:00 a.m. with lunch following in the church Fireside Room.
Loper Funeral Chapel, Directors
