Peter Klein

1934 - 2014

Klein, Peter W. (1934-2014)

Peter W. Klein, age 79, passed away Sunday morning (April 27, 2014) at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Peter was born on June 1, 1934 in Milwaukee, WI, a son of the late Peter and Catherine (Gerlach) Klein. He moved to a farm in the Town of Sherman in Sheboygan County with his family at the age of 14. Peter's ambition, even as a boy, was to be a farmer. Peter graduated from Random Lake High School in 1952. After working briefly for his uncle in construction, he volunteered for the Army and eventually the Paratroopers. In 1956 after being discharged from the United States Army, Peter bought his farm in the Town of Mitchell which he owned and operated until 1997. He continued to farm his land with cash crops until his death, in particular raising hay for his special horse customers.

Peter learned early in his work career the importance of unionization. As a dairy farmer, he was very involved with the National Farmers Organization, bargaining for fair prices for his commodities. He believed strongly in the strength of collection bargaining.

Peter also strongly believed in the strength of the vote of the people in government. He raised his family so that they knew how important it is to be an informed voter and not to take lightly the right-to-vote. Peter was a strong supporter of the Democratic Party and its principles.

He was a former member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Parnell and served on the church council for many years and also is a member of the Ambelang-Ebelt-Lau American Legion Post #386 in Cascade.

Most importantly, Peter was a loving husband and father. He supported and dearly loved his wife for 36 years. Peter and Anita were married on July 22, 1978.

Peter is survived and deeply missed by his wife: Anita; nine children: Peter Jr. (Kulanadda), Kevin (Lori), Cheryl (David) Baldwin, Allen (Adele), Annette Harris (special friend: Dave), Michael (Dave), Michaele Schramm (special friend: Mark), Scot (Michelle) and Kathren; twenty-three grandchildren: Elizabeth, William, Jennifer, Julie, Alexandra, Nathan, Elizabeth, Mathew, Anna, Samuel, Sarah, Rebeka, Zacheriah, Clara, Lee, Alexandria, Alicia, Michaela, Collin, Arreana, Gwyneth, Taylor, and Kanesha; three great-grandchildren: Hannah, Josiah and Madison; three brothers: Earl (Irene), Dennis (Genna) and Keith (Barb); four sisters: Eunice Baker, Marie (Gerald) Michels, Janice (Gerald) Merkel and Pauline (Wayne) Huibregtse.

Also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Peter and Catherine; grandson: Michael and granddaughter: Kathren.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday afternoon (May 3) at 1:00 P.M. at the Suchon Funeral Home in Plymouth. Father Richard Cerpich will officiate. Cremation has taken place.

Friends may call at the Suchon Funeral Home on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Peter's name.

The Ambelang-Ebelt-Lau Cascade American Legion Post # 386 will conduct military rites following the service at the funeral home on Saturday.

The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Plymouth is serving his family. For online condolences please visit www.suchonfh.com.

The family thanks Peter's many doctors for their very kind assistance in his final days, especially Dr. Coulis. Thank you to the staff of St. Nicholas Hospital 4th floor and St. Nicholas Hospital Home Health and Hospice. Their care and concern is greatly appreciated. Special thank you to the many family and friends who supported us with prayers, food and love.