Bernard 'Bernie' Raymond Klein

Bernard “Bernie” Raymond Klein, the son of Alfonse and Marcella Langenfeld Klein was born November 2, 1935, at his parent’s home in Earling, Iowa. Bernie died January 14, 2014, in the comfort of his home in Audubon, Iowa at the age of 78 years, 2 months, and 12 days. Bernie was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa. He attended St. Joseph’s Parochial School in Earling, Iowa graduating with the High School Class of 1953. On October 5, 1953, he enlisted into the United States Marine Corps. During his tour of duty he served in Korea. While in the service he was united in marriage to Maxine Feser on April 18, 1955, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance, Iowa. He was honorably discharged on October 4, 1956. He returned to Earling, Iowa where he farmed and owned and operated his own construction company. They then moved to Dunlap for a short time before making their home in Audubon, Iowa in 1977. He farmed and was employed by Audubon County until he retired in 2002. Bernie was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Audubon, Iowa where he was a sacristan, an usher, and helped handle the church finances. He also served on the parish council for many years. He became a member of the Knights of Columbus in 1977 and served as a Grand Knight and 4th Degree Honor Guard and he always enjoyed spending time with the Knights. Bernie was a longtime member of the American Legion Post #120 in Audubon and a member of the V.F.W. Dale Christensen Post #4119 in Audubon. He enjoyed fishing, country music, and woodworking. But most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family. Bernie was preceded in death by parents and his brother Alfonse Klein, Jr. Survivors include his wife Maxine Klein of Audubon, Iowa; his children: Deb and husband Tom Graeve of Plattsmouth, Nebraska; Gary and wife Beth Klein of Harlan, Iowa; Lisa and husband Jamie Swanson of Marne, Iowa; Michelle and husband Bruce Beasmore of Hills, Iowa; Alan and wife Mary Jo Klein of Evansville, Wisconsin; Teri and husband Steve Fitch of Bellevue, Nebraska; Chad and wife Kim Klein of Carroll, Iowa; 29 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; his brothers and sister: Rosemary and husband Virgil Koppold of Harlan, Iowa; Donald and wife Jo Ellen Klein of Dunlap, Iowa; Charles and wife Marie Klein of Earling, Iowa; Richard and wife Julie Klein of Earling, Iowa; his sisters-in-law and brother-in-law: Arlene and husband Gary Michel of Woodbine, Iowa; Betty Frazier of Dunlap, Iowa; Marie Panchot of St. Louis, Missouri; Sally Feser of Harlan, Iowa; Betty Hienkelman of Defiance, Iowa; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Cemetery:
Interment will be in the St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Audubon, Iowa.

Service:
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 17, 2014, at 10:30 A.M. at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Audubon, Iowa.

Visitation:
The family will meet with friends Thursday evening from 5:00 P.M to 9:00 P.M. with a rosary at 7:00 P.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon, Iowa.