Richard James Klein Jr.

November 04, 1958 - August 18, 2010

Richard James Klein, Jr., 51, of Lake Pana, died Wednesday, August 18, 2010 in his residence. He was born November 4, 1958 in Pana, the son of Richard James “Sleepy” & Marian L. (Wolf) Klein.
Rich graduated from Pana High School, Class of 1976. He then graduated from Ellsworth Jr. College in Iowa Falls, IA in 1978. He lived in Colorado after graduation and was a carpenter there. He came back to Pana and continued his occupation as a carpenter and a concrete finisher. Rich was a member of Rose City Hookers & Ducks Unlimited. He played in the Jr. College Rose Bowl in 1977, 25 years after his dad played in the Rose Bowl in 1952. He was a self taught musician, playing the harmonica. He loved hunting, fishing, and sailing. Rich was a bird watcher and enjoyed feeding the birds. He also loved spending time with his family.
Quote from Rich: “Ex-wife, Vicky, still a good friend. Old girlfriend, Gina, from high school…haven’t seen or talked to for 34 years, turns out to be my best friend and angel that has me helped through this ordeal (unbelievable)! Found out what real friends are all about—like Beans & Bernie (unbelievable friends).”
Rich is survived by his children: Sam Berner in Georgia; Erin Klein, Decatur, IL; Richard J. Klein III, Chicago, IL; dog: Spanky Leigh Klein, Pana Lake; mother: Marian Klein, Pana, IL; three grandchildren: Aryian, Blayse, & Alexis; brothers: Terry Klein & wife Charlene; Jeff Klein & wife Denise both of Pana; and sisters: Carole Klein Adams; Suzy Littleton; & Jenny Spracklen, all of Pana, IL. He was preceded in death by his father on December 27, 2005.

Funeral Information

Funeral services will be Sunday, August 22, 2010 in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Jim Wolfe, of Taylorville Evangelical Free Church officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Pana. Friends may call Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. in the funeral home.

Donations Information

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.