Barry J. Kline

Barry J. (B.J.) Kline

Dec. 14, 1953 - July 28, 2016

SOUTH BEND - Barry J. Kline, age 62 years, died peacefully at 7:42 PM on Thursday, July 28, 2016, with family members surrounding him. He was born on December 14, 1953 in South Bend, IN to Barry and Marjorie (Garrage) Kline. He attended Holy Family Grade School, and graduated in 1972 from the former LaSalle High School in South Bend.

On July 8, 2000, he married his soul-mate and love of his life, Charolette (Hardy) Bennett. He is survived by his wife, Charolette, his son, Kyle J. Kline (16 yrs.), and a stepson, Jonathon Bennett (24 yrs.) whom he loved as his own son. Also surviving is his sister and only sibling, Wendy (Paul) Yuhasz, along with their sons, Jason (Dawn) Yuhasz of Antioch, IL, Ian (Rachel) Hamilton of Mishawaka, IN and Noel Hamilton of Granger, IN along with 4 great-nephews and 3 great-nieces. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Tony (Candi) Hardy and their son, Zackary; and sisters-in-law, Michelle (Jeff)Thurston and Naomi (Keith Tennison) Hildebrand.

In his younger years, Barry worked alongside his father in the floor sanding/refinishing business, and worked at Spin-Cast Plastics for a short time before he began his work career at RACO. Barry retired from RACO in 2010, on disability from his battle with colon cancer which left him with debilitating neuropathy. He had “SURVIVOR” tattooed on his arm after this battle. 8 months ago we were heartbroken when Barry was diagnosed with gastric cancer. He fought valiantly, and showed the rest of us what an extraordinary man he was, how to fight with strength and dignity, and he seldom complained. On Thursday, Barry fought his final battle, and left this world.

Barry enjoyed riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles, playing his guitar with his best friend, Dave Treber, and oftentimes sat in with the band, “Work In Progress”. He loved his wife and son beyond words. He will always be remembered as a hardworking man, a Mr. Fix It, a musician with a wonderful singing voice, and a jokester with his witty, sarcastic humor, and the ability to repeat complete dialogues from movies and TV shows. He was a down to earth good guy who would give the shirt off his back to help anyone. He was a man with a big heart.

The family would like to thank Dr. Bilal Ansari as well as River Bend Cancer Services, and the compassionate, caring staff at Grace Hospice for their care, and all our family and friends who have walked this journey with Barry to the end of his life. We will see you on the other side, Barry.

There will be no visitation or viewing. Per Barry's wishes, cremation will take place. A memorial gathering will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be donated to help the family with expenses, to River Bend Federal Credit Union, 718 Chapin St., South Bend, IN 46601 Attn: The Estate of Barry J. Kline.