Edwin Klein
Edwin Joseph Klein, 81, of Belleville, IL, born June 7, 1931, in Belleville, IL, died Monday, September 3, 2012, at Rosewood Care Center, Swansea, IL.
Mr. Klein retired as a firefighter after serving 25 years with the Belleville Fire Department. He later retired as a custodian for Zion Lutheran School. Edwin was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, the Retired Firefighters Club, and the American Legion. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
Ed was preceded in death by his first wife, Geraldine Klein; his parents, Edwin and Helen, nee Albrecht, Klein; and a sister, Margaret Klein.
Surviving are his wife of 26 years, Paula C., nee Martinson, Klein, whom he married June 14, 1986;
his sister, Rosemary Riesenberger of Belleville, IL;
his daughter, Angela (Brian) Lewis of St. Louis, MO;
his son, Joseph (Vickie) Klein of Overland Park, KS;
three stepchildren, Cynthia (James) Frank of Santa Rosa Beach, FL,
and Brian (Shawna) Reed and Amy (Andrew) Allen, both of Belleville, IL;
and nine grandchildren, Matthew and Scott Lewis, Megan and Lauren Klein,
Jimmy and Jonathan Frank, Henry Reed, and Mason and Kennedy Allen.
Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran School or to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, September 7, 2012, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, September 8, 2012, at Zion Lutheran Church, Belleville, IL. A Belleville firefighter's walkthrough will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 8, 2012, at Zion Lutheran Church, Belleville, IL, with the Rev. Gary Byers officiating.
Burial will be at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.
What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us. We love you so very much. I will miss you Dad, thank you Mom and Dad for giving me life. My memories our with me and forever. Until we meet again. Joe and Vickie
Love you dear grandpa, Megan and Lauren
Vickie Jo Klein, Overland Park, KS, 66223
Mrs. Klein & Family-
I was sorry to hear of Mr. Klein's passing. When I think back on my years as a student at Zion Lutheran School (many years ago!) I have wonderful memories of Mr. Klein. It was obvious that he truly cared about the school and the students attending the school! I always looked forward to seeing him! He was a true servant! May God grant you the peace that only He can provide. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kristi (Brasher) Voeller, Mandan, North Dakota, 58554
Joe, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers with the passing of your father. May you find strength in each day as you cherish all the memories.
Machelle Frey, Blue Springs, Mo, 64015
Paula,
Pat told me of your husband's passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. I never met Edwin, but his picture looks like he was a kind man. Pray God's peace for you at this time.
Jean & Claude Blouin
Jean Blouin, Dawson Creek, BC Canada,
Our thoughts for comfort at this time: "Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted."
"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."
"I will never leave you, never will I forsake you."
Dad, you are with God now, and in our hearts. We love you always. Angie, Brian, Matthew and Scott Lewis
Angela Lewis, St. Louis, MO, 63129
To the Family of Ed, Ed was on the Fire department with my husband Ron. Such a nice guy and a wonderful human being. My condolences to all of his family. Becky Kern-Taylor
Becky Kern-Taylor, Belleville, Il., 62221