Online Obituaries

Kenneth E. Klein

June 28, 1932 - March 07, 2010

Kenneth E. Klein, 77, of Pana passed away Sunday, March 7, 2010 in his home surrounded by his loving family.
Kenneth was born June 28, 1932 in Pana, the son of John H. & Nellie L. Beyers Klein. He grew up in Rosamond, IL and attended Rosamond and Pana Schools. He graduated in 1950 from Pana High School and served in the U. S. Navy. He was a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
Kenneth married his high school sweetheart, the former Donna Goatley, on November 20, 1954. He was an accomplished dairyman and farmer, receiving the distinguished Prairie Farms Dairy District Farmer of the Year Award in 1966. Kenneth loved dancing, music and following all sports, especially those of his grandchildren and U of I basketball. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels and other organizations. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Moose Lodge #1015, Pana Elks Lodge #1261, Sportsman’s Club, Ducks Unlimited, Quail Unlimited and Pana Sports Boosters.
Kenneth is survived by his wife: Donna Klein, Pana; children: Jacqueline S. Anderson & husband Gary, Plainfield, IL; James K. Klein & wife Stacey, Springfield, IL; Geri L. Kirkbride & husband Tom, Pana, IL; Jeffry R. Klein & wife Debra, North Hollywood, CA; Gina L. Rotman & husband Mitch, Clayton, MO; Jill M. Alde & husband Dan, Pana, IL; Kenneth L. Klein & wife Emma, Pana, IL; and Jodi A. Miller & husband Dave, Monticello, IL; grandchildren: Amanda Brill & husband Adam; Arin Anderson; Arica Anderson; Adam Anderson; Kelsey Klein, Shelby Klein, Thomas K. Kirkbride, David Kirkbride, Bria Dennis & husband Mike, Evan Klein, Violet Klein, Sophia Rotman, Sam Rotman, Megan Trelz, Rachel Alde, Aryn Alde, Mitchell Miller, Erika Miller, Ethan Miller, Chuck Boehm; great grandchildren: Owen Brill, Sophia Dennis, Logan Dennis, Aydan Barnes; step grandchildren: Dan Alde, Brenna Alde; sisters: Virginia Kuhn & husband Bob, Oconee, IL; Dorothy Mickey & husband Joseph, Schaumburg, IL; LaVeta Becker, Lees Summit, MO.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Irene Wolf and brother John B. Klein.

Funeral Information

Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home with rosary at 8:00 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Pana with Fr. Don Cunningham. S.J. officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Pana.