Robert Klein

Klein, Robert passed away peacefully at home on November 27, 2024 at age 90, surrounded by family. Preceded in death by the love of his life, Maria Klein (geb. Kolbe). Cherished father of Desery (John) Gutwein, Rosita (Frank) Slembarski, Linda (Otto) Dschida, Veronica (John) Lietz, and Annette (Kurt) Kruepke.

Grandfather of Joseph, Michael (Melissa), Robert (Emily), Elisa (Jonathan), Richard (Rebecca), Richard (Kaylee), James (Celeste), Andrew (Bethany), Maria, Rachel-Sister Christina, and Matthew.Step grandfather of Christine (Daniel) and Steven. Great-grand father of Collin, Adeline, Henry, Vivian, Corinne, June, Tahlia, Evienne, Wyatt, Carter, Sophia, and Clara. Step great-grandfather of Archer and Eberhardt. Dear brother of Anna-Elisabeth (Alfons) Kölbel and preceded by death Maria (Helmut) Strauch. Uncle to Marianne, Marita, Mark and Stefan. Robert will be remembered and missed by many friends and his relatives in New Jersey and Germany.

Robert and Maria were born in Kunzendorf Germany in the province of Schlesien. Their families were forced off their homeland and traveled by train cattle cars to West Germany ending 700 years of land stewardship. Sponsored by his 2 uncles in New Jersey, at age 18 Robert immigrated to the United States and proudly served in the U.S. Army. During his tour, while stationed in Nuremburg Germany, Robert and Maria were married. They settled in Big Bend on farmland reminiscent of their homeland of hills and river. There they raised 5 daughters. They continuously improved their dairy, beef and crop farming operation for 40 years then eventually developing River Bend Heights subdivision. Robert was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, active as a volunteer in the Big Bend-Vernon Fire Department and vice-president of the German American Schlesien Verein.

Together Robert and Maria enjoyed many family gatherings, trips, cruises, dances and visits to family in Germany. Later Robert, completed his own biography sharing his legacy with his descendants. Due to the fact that his schooling was interrupted during WWII, he stressed to his children the value of education knowing that it could never be taken away.

A special mention to lifelong friends Boyd, Scholovich, Strickler, King, Salentine and Hocking Families. Heartfelt thanks to his caregivers, especially Michelle.

Visitation at St. Joseph Church (S89 W22650 Milwaukee Ave, Big Bend, WI) on Thursday December 5, 2024 from 10am until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 12pm. Burial to follow at Rural Home Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials appreciated to St. Joseph Church or Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia in Nashville, TN (www.nashvilledominican.org).