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Johann 'John' Klein Klamath Falls, OR QCWA # 29333 Chapter 188 |
Johann "John" Klein Jr. passed away Aug. 28, 2015, in Klamath Falls, Ore. John was born June 2, 1932, in Obereidisch, Romania, the son of Johann and Susanna Kle in. In 1944, during World War II, the Klein family was forcibly displaced from their home. As refugees, they were moved from place to place and eventually settled in Austria.
In 1952, the family immigrated to Deadwood, SD, as part of the Lutheran World Federation Displaced Persons Program. While there, John attended Black Hills Teachers College, where he earned a master's degree. He also worked for Homestake Mining Company and served with the U.S. Army Signal Corps, receiving an honorable discharge in 1955.
John married Belva Jean Burtzlaff on June 2, 1957, and they had two children. They moved to Klamath Falls, where John taught industrial arts and math for more than 25 years at Altamont and Brixner junior high schools. He also worked for more than 30 years for Wiard Park District, retiring as district manager in 1998. The park district recognized his service by naming "Klein Park" in his honor.
In the late 1970s, John undertook the challenge of building his own home, working with many helpful neighbors, fellow educators, contractors, family and friends to get the difficult job done. Belva passed away on July 27, 2005. John was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church and then Christ Lutheran Church, where he served as an usher, participated in the choir, was a member of numerous councils and committees and was always quick to volunteer for building and maintenance projects. He was an avid ham radio operator and member of the Klamath Basin Amateur Radio Association, the Oregon Emergency Net and the Department of the Army Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS). In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, dancing and playing the harmonica. In his later years, he was known as "Grandpa" to many. His face would light up when he was around his grandkids or other little children and his interaction with them provided many fond and loving memories. John is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Darla and Brent Hakanson of Klamath Falls; his son and daughter-in-law, Daren and Jean Klein of Monroe, Wash.; his sister, Maria Corey of Deadwood, S.D.; his brother, Mike Klein of Minneapolis, Minn.; his sister, Frieda Grove of Mankato, Minn.; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and his brother, George Klein. Funeral services with military honors will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015, at Christ Lutheran Church, 127 N. Spring St., Klamath Falls, OR 97601. Graveside services will follow at 2 p.m. at Eagle Point National Cemetery, 2763 Riley Road, Eagle Point, OR 97524. Eternal Hills Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions can be made to Christ Lutheran Church (address above) or High Desert Hospice, 2210 Shallock Ave., Klamath Falls, OR 97601.
Funeral Home: Eternal Hills Memorial Gardens