KLEIN, Robert J. 1958-2003

KLEIN, RICKSMEIER, WHORRALL

Posted By: Jeffrey R. Phillips (email)
Date: 1/22/2005 at 11:02:18

Robert J. Klein
By: 09/24/2003

September 28, 1958-September 11, 2003

ELDORA - Robert J. Klein, 44, Eldora, formerly of Ackley, died Thursday, Sept. 11, 2003, at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames. Memorial services will be Sunday, Sept. 28, at St. John's United Church of Christ in Ackley with Rev. Steve Acheson of Iowa Falls officiating. A fellowship time will follow in St. John's hall immediately following the services. Memorials will be left to the discretion of the family.

Robert John Klein was born Sept. 28, 1958, in Waterloo to John and Harriett (Ricksmeier) Klein. He was a baptized member of St. John's United Church of Christ. At age 4, Robert became a member of the Cherub Choir, and later sang with the the St. John's choirs until graduating from Ackley High School in 1977. During his school years, Bob was active in many vocal music and band activities, playing the bass drum in the high school marching band. Bob also performed in many community theater musical productions.

On April 20, 1986, Robert was united in marriage to Marianne (Mari) Whorrall at The Little Brown Church in Nashua. He ran an antique auto parts business, did auto body work, restored antique furniture, and worked at Winnebago Industries in Hampton. He later attended the Rausch College of Auctioneering in Mason City and ran his own auction business for a time. Bob and Mari were house parents at Quakerdale for a number of years. After his health caused him to become disabled, Bob, along with his partner Steve Gaulke, operated an agri-labor contracting business called W.D. Fields. Bob enjoyed many leisure activities throughout his life such as playing the dulcimer and hammer dulcimer, restoring antique cars, attending car shows and traveling. Robert also participated in buckskinner rendezvous and renaissance festivals.

Robert is survived by his wife, Mari; one son, Wilton (Wil); one daughter, Katie; his mother, Harriett Klein of Ackley; and one brother, Gary Klein of Ackley. He was preceded in death by his father and his grandparents.

Bruce's Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Fort Dodge is in charge of arrangements.