Lowell Merlin Klein

Lowell Merlin Klein, age 93, of Waupun, died peacefully on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at the Christian Home in Waupun, with his family at his side.

Joe was born on October 20, 1916 in Tolna North Dakota, a son to Rev. Charles and Mary (Sharpe) Klein. Following his graduation from LaFarge High School in 1935, he attended Platteville Teachers College. Throughout his working years, Joe was employed as a cheese grader, a candy salesman, and the owner operator of a restaurant in Wauzeka, WI. In 1954, He moved to Waupun where he worked as a correctional officer for thirty years. Joe was a member of the Waupun Masonic Lodge #48 and the Prairie du Chien Lodge #0008 Free and Accepted Masons, and was a 32° Mason. He served on the Waupun Fire and Police Commission for seventeen years. Joe belonged to the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Waupun. He enjoyed golfing, snowmobiling, and traveling.

Joe is survived by two daughters, Karen (Vaughn) Bremer of Sun Prairie; Patricia (Tim) Hill of Oregon, WI; his son Randall Klein of Waupun; three grandchildren, Doreen (Paul) Hartgerink, Waupun; Shelby Bremer, Madison; and Creed Klein, Waupun. He is further survived by a great-granddaughter, Samantha Hartgerink; two great-grandsons, Zach Hartgerink and Brandon Bremer; one brother, Paul (Beth) Klein, Boise, Idaho; one sister, Laurel McHenry, Evansville, WI; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Marion; five sisters, Fern; Velma; Carol; Marian; Nadine; and four brothers, Charles; Frances; Harold; Keith.

A Service to Celebrate the Life of Joe Klein will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at the Christian Home Health and Rehabilitation Center Chapel, 331 Bly Street, Waupun, officiated by Chaplain Wick Hubers. Burial will follow in the Highland Memory Garden.

Joe’s family will receive relatives and friends from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16, 2010, with a brief Masonic Service at 4:00 p.m. conducted by the Waupun Masonic Lodge #48; and on Wednesday at the Christian Home from 10:00 until the hour of service.

Visitation Location: Kohls Community Funeral Home - 405 W. Main St, Waupun, WI 53963

A Memorial Fund is being established in Joe’s name.