Gordon A. Klein

Gordon A. Klein, known for few and careful words, and keen sense of humor, was born November 25, 1932, in Lomira, Wisconsin, and passed on to eternal life at age 85, on March 12, 2018, at Hillview Healthcare Center in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.  He graduated from Lomira High School in 1950.  On October 10, 1959, Gordon married Jane Luedtke, also of Lomira, at Salem Evangelical United Brethren Church. 

Gordon’s life was guided by his faith in the Lord.  He was a lifelong member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Lomira, and served his church through holding many offices, leading a youth group, participating in two service trips to Red Bird Mission in Kentucky, being a table parent for Logos, and serving as custodian.  Gordon maintained an active, ongoing prayer list in his Bible. 

Gordon was active as a Boy Scout, including attending the 1950 Boy Scout Jamboree in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.  Passionate about serving youth, he continued in scouting as Scout Master of Troop #40 in Lomira, Wisconsin, and served on the Lomira Board of Education for 22 years. 

Dedicated to his hometown community of Lomira, Gordon served as a volunteer firefighter for 23 years and then as a bell ringer in retirement.  He was also a charter member of the Lomira Chamber of Commerce, was honored to be named Citizen of the Year in 1996 and enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels.

Gordon provided well for his family, and thoroughly enjoyed his customers, as an owner in the family business of Klein Hardware & DeLaval Dairy Sales & Service in Lomira, for over 50 years.  He was also proud to have his son, Bill, complete his plumbing apprenticeship and eventually become a 3rd generation plumber in the family business, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Alfred, father Gordon, and Uncle Gerald.  Gordon enjoyed pitching horseshoes or playing croquet with friends and family, gardening, feeding and watching the birds and squirrels, visiting and reminiscing, befriending many residents at Hope Nursing Home, reading, and finding unique resolutions to life’s minor inconveniences.  Most important to Gordon was spending quality time with family, especially his grandchildren. 

Gordon is survived by his bride of 58 years, Jane, who cherishes the memory of Gordon’s companionship, unconditional love, and patience.  His son Bill (Tammy) Klein, grandson Keith Klein and granddaughter Kylie Klein; daughter Betsy Klein; and daughter Peggy Klein treasure many fond memories of a proud dad and grandpa. 

Gordon is further survived by his brother Gerald (Shirley) Klein, sister-in-law Bonnie (Wes) Falk, sister-in-law Judy (Larry) Schraufnagel, sister-in-law Jean (Karl) Krueger, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Gordon is predeceased by his parents, Alfred (Hilda Stuck) Klein; brother, Reverend James Klein, nephew, Kevin Klein; sister Genevieve (Ed) Huck; parents-in-law, Fred (Elda McChain) Luedtke; brother-in-law, Lyle Schwartz; and brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Jim (Geni) Luedtke.

A Celebration of Gordon’s Life will take place at Trinity United Methodist Church in Lomira, Wisconsin, on Saturday, April 21, at noon, with Pastors Rom Pegram and Reverend Wesley Falk officiating.  Gordon’s family will greet guests from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m., and will be available to visit again following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Gordon’s name will be appreciated to Trinity United Methodist Church in Lomira; Lomira Fire Department; UW Health in Madison, Wisconsin, for organ transplant research; or donor’s favorite charity.

The family thanks all staff at Hillview Healthcare Center in LaCrosse for the compassionate care they provided to Gordon during the past four years.

The family also thanks Pastor Harald Bringsjord, of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of LaCrosse, for his comforting presence to read scripture and pray with Gordon and family during the final days of Gordon’s life and immediately following Gordon’s last breath, as well as always being a special presence of God’s love.

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