Edward Klein

1942 - 2025

Edward Klein was a kind and loving soul who touched so many lives. He was loved by all and made everyone's day a little brighter. It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Colonel Klein, United States Air Force (Retired), who departed this life on April 7, 2025 after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. He was 82

Ed was born in Spokane, WA on May 26, 1942 to Earl and Ruth Klein, joining brother Bob and sister Caroline. Growing up in Everett, he met his future wife Shirl at Everett High School. After high school, he attended University of Washington spending much of his time rowing Varsity Crew and studying at the School of Forestry. Ed and Shirl married on September 15, 1963.

Ed joined the United States Air Force out of college and quickly became a skilled pilot and an invaluable resource to the US in multiple combat tours. Known for his sharp intellect, calm leadership, and steadfast commitment to duty, Ed was awarded numerous military honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross among so many others. His legacy of service, sacrifice, and mentorship lives on in the many lives he touched.

His frenetic military life involved a lot of moving! Living in Texas then Nevada, then to California where Ed and Shirl's first son Kris was born in 1965. Then back to TX before Ed was deployed to the Vietnam War. During his back and forth to Vietnam, they welcomed their second son Kirk in 1968. Upon his return from a second tour in Vietnam, they moved to McChord Air Force Base in WA with two young boys in tow. Then off to Germany for three years, before returning to the States where they lived in California, Alabama, Illinois and finally Delaware where Ed retired at Dover Air Force Base. They moved to Lynnwood, WA where they have resided since 1990.

Even after "retirement", Ed went on to excel at other management positions with SNOCOM's 911 Center and Snohomish PUD, continuing to help and change lives along the way.

They loved their family time at Lake Tahoe and took up boating later in life, cruising the Northwest waters with friends and family. Ed's greatest love was Shirl and he missed her dearly since her passing in 2021. His dogs Klaire and Katie kept him happy and centered as Parkinson's took its hold. And yet, he continued to make new friends wherever he went.

His lifetime has created hundreds of friends and acquaintances, all of whom will miss his generosity and kind spirit. Ed is preceded in death by his wife Shirl Klein of nearly 59 years and his son Kirk Klein. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Kris and Courtney Klein, his grandchildren Cooper and Kennedy, his sister Caroline Reed, his brother Bob Klein, as well as a loving extended family.

A memorial service will be held on May 19, 2025 at 11:00am at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Seattle. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Parkinson's Foundation or a Veterans' charity of your choice.