KLINE, Willard C. 1916-2005

KLINE, RACHUY, LOESCH, PICHELMANN

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 2/18/2015 at 23:40:19

Willard C. “Bill” Kline, 88, of Waterloo, died Tuesday, January 25, 2005 at Allen Memorial Hospital.

Bill was born November 25, 1916 in Buchanan County, Iowa, the son of William Carl and Helen (Rachuy) Kline. He grew up in Waterloo, attended school here, and graduated from West High School in Waterloo in 1936.

Bill married Suzanne Loesch on March 25, 1946 in Des Moines, after returning from serving in the United States Army in Europe during WWII. Bill learned to be an optician right after high school. He continued as an optician, received additional training, and followed troops close behind the front line in a mobile optical unit while in the army. When he returned to Waterloo, he co-founded Porter and Kline Optical in 1947, which became Kline Optical in 1968. Bill’s three sons followed him in his career choice. He was named Master of Optician by the American Board of Opticianry.

Bill is survived by his wife, Suzanne; three sons, Richard J. Kline of Ashuelot, New Hampshire; Steven G. Kline of Cedar Falls; and William C. Kline and his wife Cindy of Waterloo; seven grandchildren: Carrie (Joel) Snell, Kevin Kline, Rebecca Kline, David (Amanda) Kline, Kristin Kline, Alex Kline and Corbin Wilson of Austin, Texas; and two great-grandchildren, Tristan Snell and Chase Kline.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and four sisters, Harriett Kline, Lillian Kline, Alice Kline and Dorothy Pichelmann.

Friends who wish may direct memorials to Westminster Presbyterian

[Source: Locke Funeral Service]