Gary Klein

Gary Louis Klein was a salt-of-the-earth kind of guy. He was honest and hard-working, genuine and generous. He was always there for his family and was never one to hold a grudge. From childhood, his siblings looked up to their older brother, not only because he was confident and dependable, but because he made sure they had fun, even amid the hardships of life. Gary loved his family dearly and they knew it. Above all, he loved God, and it showed in the way he lived his life.

Gary was born to Louis George and Louise M. (Pline) Klein in Lansing, Michigan on August 8, 1958, at the height of the post-war baby boom. The advent of television enabled Americans to view the world from the comfort of their living rooms, and mainframe computers were revolutionizing society. Gary was the oldest of seven children and, very early in life, he took on a lot of responsibility.

Gary’s father worked for Oldsmobile manufacturing in Lansing and farmed in nearby DeWitt. The family raised pigs and grew corn and soybeans, so Gary would have done his share of chores. When he was only seven years old, tragedy struck the family with the untimely death of his father. As young as he was, Gary took on a very mature role. He tried hard to fill his father’s shoes and set an example for his younger siblings.

With seven children under the age of eight, Gary’s mom made the decision to sell the farm and move to Westphalia, Michigan. There, Gary attended St. Mary’s Catholic School, and he became an alter server. His Christian training gave him solid values that provided a foundation for his life. He was strong in his convictions and firm to do things the way he thought they should be done.

Gary went on to Pewamo-Westphalia High School, where he played football and graduated with the class of 1977. In school, he had excelled in his woodshop class, and it seemed he always had a tape measure and pen with him. Yet, after graduation, he went in the direction of his father’s career. Gary found employment at Oldsmobile of Lansing and worked with the company for ten years.

For recreation, Gary had many interests. Hunting was his favorite sport, having grown up hunting rabbits with his beloved dog Barney. He liked going to air shows, listening to celtic and country-western music, or just hanging out in his barn. He was an avid reader, a 6 PM News hound, and a movie buff. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic parish and the Knights of Columbus, Westphalia Council #2890. Living on his own, Gary learned to be a good cook, and he was always a great conversationalist. In fact, he was a well-known talker, taking time with people and showing an interest in them. That was especially true for his relationship with his nieces and nephews. Time spent with them was very important to Gary, and he never forgot their birthdays…or anyone else’s.

Out of the generosity of his heart, Gary was always there for others—especially his mother, who died in 1992. He often put off his own jobs to help someone else who was in need. He was more concerned for the health of others, even when he was diagnosed with a heart ailment (aortic-stenosis) in 2006.

As he had been throughout his life, Gary was confident in his Christian faith and expressed it often. Because he wanted others to experience what he had, he was hopeful of leading them back to God. In the certainty of life with God forever, Gary died peacefully on Wednesday, October 13, 2009. The end came without notice as he watched TV in his home.

Gary’s passing leaves a void for his family, and they will miss him dearly. They are very, very proud of their brother and uncle. He taught them a great deal about life and love.

Gary Louis Klein, age 51 of Westphalia, Michigan, is survived by his sisters, Carol Klein of Lansing and Constance Klein of Westphalia; brothers, Michael (Lou Ann) Klein of Lyons, James (Michele) Klein of Pewamo, Daniel Klein of Westphalia and David (Amy) Klein of Fowler. Gary is also survived by 24 nieces and nephews and 2 great niece; special family friends, Humberto (Daisy) Ramirez and Christine Fowler, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 16, 2009 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pewamo, burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Westphalia with the Rev. Fr. Charlon Mason officiating. Visitation will be 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., Thursday at the Goerge Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes in Fowler. There will be a rosary service at 3 and a vigil at 8 p.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory for the family or to sign the guest register.