Joseph Klein
March 27, 1929 - November 10, 2024
Obituary
Joseph J. “Joe” Klein, 95, Livingston, WI passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 10, 2024. Joe was born March 27, 1929, the son of Joseph H. and Laura (Langkamp) Klein. He attended school until the eighth grade, when he left to work on the family farm. Joe served in combat duty in the Korean War. Serving with Company A 1st Battalion, 23rd Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division from 1951-1952. Joe was united in marriage to Eileen White on November 22, 1952, at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Tennyson.
He was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Parish, Platteville, then later the St. Thomas Catholic Parish in Montfort. Joe was a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He served on the Village of Livingston board. Joe and his wife, Eileen, were founding members of the Iowa-Grant Conservation Club, where he held positions of President and Treasurer for many years. Joe and Eileen were dairy farmers. They owned and operated Joleen's Bar in Rewey, WI and later built, owned and operated the Boulder Lounge in Arthur, WI. He was an avid fisherman and gardener and always enjoyed playing cards with his friends at Ally Oops in Livingston.
Joe is survived by twelve children, Joe (Debra) Klein, Doug Klein, Ron (Debra) Klein, Dan (Debra) Klein, Angie Canny, Laurie (Rick) Davis, Tim Klein, Linda Klein, Marcia (Mark) Rako, Alan (Julie) Klein, Joyce (Terry) Metzger and Stacy (Ben) Ponti; 35 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; sisters, Marcella Klein and Eileen Birkett; brothers, Nicholas (Marge) Klein and Paul (Evie) Klein, sisters-in-law, Delores Klein, Ann Klein and Jane Klein: brother-in-law Art Shoot and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Eileen, son, Scott, great-granddaughter Claire Timmerman, his parents, brothers, Robert Klein, Vincent Klein, Francis Klein and Lawrence Klein, sisters, Donna Shoot and Loretta Reuter, brothers-in-law Clifford Reuter and Paul Birkett and sister-in-law, Phyllis Klein.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory in Platteville, WI. Deacon Bill Bussan will officiate. Chapel Military Rites will be accorded by American Legion Post 42 and VFW 5274. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Platteville. Visitation will be on Friday, November 15, 2024, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at the funeral home or from 9:00 AM until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Joe Klein Memorial Fund. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.
The family would like to thank Grant County Home and Hospice for their compassionate care. We would also like to thank Dr. White and the Medical Associates staff for their care over the years. A special thank you to Niki Transo R.N. and Maggie Oehlke R.N. for providing love, care and support for our parents.