Robert Louis Klein

Robert L. Klein

Robert L. Klein

Robert Louis Klein
June 30, 1931 – September 26, 2017
Friendship, WI

The long life of Robert Louis Klein that began on June 30, 1931 in Friendship, WI, came to a peaceful close, surrounded by family, on September 26, 2017 in Woodstock, IL. Bob was the son of Leo and Catherine Klein and is survived by his wife of 58 years, Anita Joann. He grew up with three brothers, Danny, Kenny (Joanne) and Leo; two sisters, Florence (John Ramocinski) and Dolores (Hank Filtz), on the family County Road H “Century Farm” in Adams. Later in life, Robert became acquainted with siblings Jeannie (Patrick Doyle) and Richard James Klein.
Parents, Leo and Catherine; brothers, Danny, Leo and Kenny (Joanne) Klein; and stepson, Richard Dickinson, preceded Bob in death.

Robert graduated from Adams/Friendship High School in 1949 and served in the Navy from 1951-1955 in Europe on the USS Lloyd Thomas. After service to his country, Bob attended the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point and Platteville to study civil engineering on the GI Bill. While in Stevens Point, Bob’s brother, Kenny, introduced him to his future wife, Anita Joann, and they married in March of 1959.

As a student, Bob interned as an engineer on the initial construction of Wisconsin Highway I90. After graduation from Platteville in 1961, Bob worked for the City of Madison, WI as a land surveyor. He loved being able to work outside and often reflected on how much he liked his time working with the City. Bob continued his career as a State of Wisconsin Civil Engineer from 1964 until retirement in 1994. His career focus was on building code compliance for new construction projects.

Responsibility for five children, Richard Gary Dickinson, Vicki (John) Schorse, Patti Klein, Penni Klein (Kim Drake) and Ginni (Michael) Racosky, kept Bob and Joann busy. Bob fully enjoyed good times with grandchildren Jonathan and Dylan Manke, and Anna Schorse. Grandson, Dylan, followed in Bob’s footsteps as a student in the UW Platteville engineering program.

Bob spent his free time enjoying boating, fishing, hunting and snowmobiling. In addition to many family vacations, the cottage on Pine Lake in Argonne, WI was a favorite destination in all seasons. Bob and Joann enjoyed time there with family and friends until Bob required kidney dialysis and assisted living.

Visitation will be on November 11, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Roseberry Funeral Home, 512 N. Main St., Friendship, WI, immediately followed by a Memorial Service at the funeral home. After the service, interment will be at the Town of Quincy Cemetery with a 12:30 p.m. lunch at Carlson’s Rustic Ridge, 2230 Town Road, Friendship, WI.

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Condolences

  1. Coral Klein Smith says:

    Joann, Vicki, Patti, Penni and Ginni, From all our family, to all of you, our heartfelt sympathy. Take comfort knowing Robert is peaceful and free of illness in the Lord’s care. I am glad Dad and Mom had a chance to see and visit with him and you, Joann, in August. Love and peace to you.

  2. Cindy Krantz says:

    Penni and Kim, I’m sorry to hear about your Dad.
    Please tell your Mom I’m thinking of her and the rest
    of your family during this difficult time.
    Wishing you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
    Love to you, my friends.

  3. Phylis Taft says:

    Joann, sorry about Bob, I will plan to attend funeral. I know he hadn’t been well lately. Sorry again. Love you. Phylis and vern. .