Eileen Klein

Eileen A. Klein, 87, of Livingston, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 3, 2018. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 6, 2018 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Platteville. Rev. John Blewett will officiate. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Platteville. Friends may call from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, or from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Eileen A. Klein Memorial Fund. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Eileen was born on November 9, 1930 in Potosi, Wisconsin, daughter of James and Elvina (Kress) White. She was united in marriage to Joseph J. “Joe” Klein on November 22, 1952 at St. Andrew's Catholic Church, Tennyson, Wisconsin. Eileen graduated from Platteville Teachers College, Platteville and taught school at a one room school house, rural Lancaster, for a short time. She and Joe farmed. They owned and operated Joleen's Bar, Rewey, Wisconsin and later built, owned and operated Boulder Lounge, Arthur, Wisconsin. She formed the country band the “Country Queens” where she was lead singer and guitarist. She was an avid Packer's fan, enjoyed reading, writing, doing puzzles, but mostly spending time with family and friends.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph “Joe” Klein; twelve children, Joe (Debra) Klein, Doug Klein, Ron (Debra) Klein, Dan (Debra) Klein, Angie (David) Canny, Laurie (Rick) Davis, Tim Klein, Linda Klein, Marcia (Mark) Rako, Alan (Julie) Klein, Joyce (Terry) Metzger and Stacy (Ben) Ponti; 35 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; three sisters, EeVon “Eevie” (Paul) Klein, LaVon “Bonnie” (John) Vogelsberg, Sandra (Rod) Blum; four brothers, Albert White, Garland (Rose) White, Ralph White, and Joe (Roseann) White; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Scott, parents, and brother James “Sonny” White.