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Karl Klein Obituary
Karl graduated from the University of Illinois and went on to have a distinguished 35-year career in Human Resources, serving as the head of HR for several major corporations and founded his own very successful consulting group. His strategic acumen and genuine care for people defined his professional life, earning him respect and admiration from colleagues.
An avid sports enthusiast, Karl excelled in baseball, football, and basketball during his high school days. His athletic spirit persisted as he later became a talented tennis player and a 5-time Boston Marathon runner. Later in life he helped coach over 150 athletes, with their running and fitness goals. His passion wasn't just in participation and coaching but also in fandom, supporting all Chicago sports teams with vigor.
Karl's personal life was enriched by his deep connections with family and his faith. He is survived by his sons, Kregg Klein of Granada Hills, CA, and Jeffrey (Krista) Klein of Southlake, TX; grandchildren, Regan (Eric) Johnson of San Jose, CA, Bryce (Charlotte) Klein, Carson Klein, and Reid Klein all of Southlake, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents, John H. and Gertrude B. (Paetz) Klein, his wife of 54 years, Joyce (Moecher) Klein, and his daughter, Marralyn (Klein) Rosenfeld.
Karl was a devoted member of Shepherd Church in Porter Valley, California, where he found spiritual solace and community.
A private family ceremony will be held to honor Karl's life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org, a cause close to his heart. Karl's legacy is a testament to a life well-lived, marked by passion, dedication, and love.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Judi Herta
October 23, 2024
Today I thought it was about time to say a few words about Karl, who was NOT a man of few words. Karl, with my best friend Joyce, were in my life for about 50 years. He was a man of many layers,. Superfacially, jolly and silly, but much deeper in his caring and helping friends, co workers, neighbors, some students and those who needed guidance in certain aspects of life. So many stories about exchanging crazy Christmas gifts (a bathrobe that went back and forth for years). him walking from Granada Hills to Big Bear, the kindness of including me in their lives after my husband passed and I was alone for many years. We spent many Christmas eves together at my home and so many hours on bleachers at swim meets with our sons. More recently, the thoughtful way, he sent beautiful photos, interesting facts and a lot of humor to brighten a Monday. Karl was a little bigger than life and now he can be with Joyce so she can rein him in , in Heaven.
Cheri Ruskus
October 19, 2024
Today I was doing some extensive writing and Karl popped into my mind and his great love for writing. As a friend to my parents in California we had shared many emails over the years sharing musings about our writing after the passing of my parents and his beloved wife Joyce. I was saddened to find this obituary as I had not learned of his death until this moment but realized I had not heard from Karl in some time. I hope you are resting in peace Karl hanging out with my mom and Joyce who always knew how to have a good time.
Larry Falk
September 26, 2024
Karl was a great man who always enjoyed helping friends and family. Karls biggest gift was the gift of friendship. Karl touched a lot of peoples life's especially mine. Karl will be dearly missed by all.
paulette stewart
August 23, 2024
Karl was a true friend, not many people can say they have a friend like that, but my husband Ron Stewart shared that friendship with Karl starting in kindergarden and they maintained that for nearly 7o years Ron passed away 3 years ago and Karl was so supportive when he was down with his illness. I have been blessed to know Karl for 55 years and Joyce until she passed, may all the lives he touched pass on the good . sincere condolences for all of the family. Paulette Srewart
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Mike Perkins
August 17, 2024
Jeff and I were on a business trip to southern California and spent a few extra days with Karl and Joyce in Big Bear. I will never forget playing H O R S E with Karl on a frozen basketball court. Jeff and I were forcing Karl to make goofy trick shots throughout the match. I may have cracked a rib laughing so hard. Later, Jeff and I cooked ribs for dinner. I have never endured more good-natured ribbing (no pun intended) from Karl and Joyce over how awful those ribs turned out. The meat was tough, the ends were burnt, simply horrible, and quite embarrassing!! But on that day I established a goal to master the rib cook and have been in pursuit of it ever since. Thank you to Karl and Joyce for that inspiration.
Jeff Klein
August 14, 2024
My Dad and I took a trip to Europe when I was 16. He was on business and took me along. We went to 5 countries - England, Germany, Switzerland, Holland & France. I got sick on Day 1, so he had to drag me around Europe nursing me back to health. This sounds like a bummer but ended up being a very special time for us. Not being able to do a lot of touristy things, we had a lot of time to talk about the future. Our last day was spent in Murren Switzerland, where we talked about how to be a "grown up - which he never achieved!", family and life. I never felt more love and appreciation for my Dad then on that day - I will always remember that time we were alone together and how much he cared and prepared me for my life. Thank you, Dad - Love You.
Carson John Klein
August 13, 2024
One of my favorite things about my grandfather, add something that I have adopted is how he made up a song for everything he was doing and anyone he was with. Always with a cheerful tone and humor. He would rhyme a word as many times as he could till he was making up new words and sounds. He never let the car be silent and i loved that about him
Krista klein
August 13, 2024
Krista klein
August 13, 2024
Krista klein
August 13, 2024
Krista klein
August 13, 2024
Krista klein
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Krista klein
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Some memories of Karl
Klein
August 13, 2024
Klein
August 13, 2024
One memory of Karl that always makes me smile is thinking of the time that Karl and Jeff celebrated a rare win in the card game 500 over Joyce and me. We were up at their house in Big Bear in the winter. They ran outside in the snow, doing his famous " Klein Shuffle" Joyce locked them out of the house, but they didn´t care. They proceeded to do that silly one-foot-hop dance and hoot and holler about their victory.
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