James L. Klein

James Leonard Klein, 81 passed away peacefully on January 20, 2022 at the Wisconsin Veteran’s Home in Union Grove, WI. Jim resided at the Veteran’s Home for nearly two years battling Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body Dementia.

Jim was born in Valders, Wisconsin in August, 1940. He was the oldest son of Leonard Michael and Adeline (Ellestad) Klein. After graduating from Chilton high school, Jim joined the U.S. Air Force. Jim worked as a vehicle mechanic stationed at Winslow Air Force Station, Arizona; Thule Air Base, Greenland; and Norton Air Force Base, California.

During his time at Winslow Airforce Station, he met and married Judith “Judy” Casner. They had three sons; Leonard Allen Klein, Terry Dale Klein and Robert James Klein. Jim later moved his family to Kimberly, WI, Jim was a forklift mechanic at Milwaukee Engine and Equipment in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. 

Jim moved to Rockford, Illinois and married Nancy (Verstegen) Walker.  They lived in Rockford, Illinois with Nancy’s three daughters: Wendy, Amy, and Jill. Jim worked in Rockford at Wisconsin Forklift. He enjoyed camping, golfing, boating and hunting.

After Jim and Nancy’s retirement in 2005, they enjoyed traveling throughout the United States in their motorhome. They eventually settled in San Tan Valley, Arizona. During this time Jim was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Jim and Nancy sold their Arizona home to return to Rockford, Illinois in October, 2015. Nancy, his wife of 39 years, passed of a stroke in December, 2015. Jim moved to Appleton to again be near his sons and siblings. He resided at The Heritage Retirement Community in Appleton, WI. Jim battled Parkinson’s by remaining very active in the community including daily exercises, walks, yoga classes, choir, and support groups. The following September, 2016 his oldest son, Leonard passed away with cancer. 

Jim’s diagnosis of  Lewy Body Dementia in 2018 required he move to Oak Creek, Wisconsin with his son, Terry. Jim lived in the Centennial for Senior Living with loving assistance from his family. He continued to be very active in his senior community. Jim enjoyed a good fish fry. He was very active with his exercise classes, tournaments of Wii-bowling, bingo, dominos, and singing in chorus. He was very loving and truly loved by everyone around him.  Jim’s declining health made it necessary for him to move to the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Union Grove. He made many friends in Union Grove and had a positive outlook on life. He kept busy with many activities at Union Grove, especially expressing himself through listening to and singing country-western music and doing art projects.

Jim is survived by Jean Klein (surviving wife of Leonard Klein) of Appleton, WI, Terry & wife, Colleen Klein of Oak Creek, WI, Rob and wife, Jo Anne Klein of Kewaskum, WI
Wendy Stolberg and husband, Scott of Poplar Grove, IL, Amy McLaughlin and husband, Marty of Mesa, AZ, Jill Daft and husband, Mark of Machesney Park, IL

Jim also has 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

His siblings: Richard (Dee) Klein, Thomas (Mary) Klein, Gerald (Michelle) Klein, Louise (Dennis) Raube, Gail (Keith) Schommer, Karen Klein (surviving wife of LeRoy). Jim is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard & Adeline Klein, his brother, LeRoy Klein, his wife, Nancy Klein and his son, Leonard Klein.

A family-only memorial will take place in February, 2022. A Celebration of Life will take place at Calumet County Campground Lodge in Hilbert, WI near his boyhood home. Jim’s family would love to see all Jim’s family and friends at N6150 County Road EE, Hilbert, WI 54129 from 12:00-5:00 P.M. on May 21, 2022

Jim’s family wishes to thank the staff at the Wisconsin Veterans Home Union Grove and the Aurora Hospice staff for their diligent care, kindness and support.

In Lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Wisconsin Veterans Home of Union Grove by calling them direct at (262) 878-6700

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