Alfred Klein Obituary

I'm writing this for my father in law, Bob Spies, who taught with Al at Roosevelt.
" Bon Voyage my good friend. I'll always remember our fishing outings to Lake Zurich! " Al was a great man and all the kids loved him. He was the ultimate motivator." Linda Spies on behalf of Robert Spies

I will always be grateful to Coach Klein's "Roosevelt Alumni News". I spoke to him once when we So. CalifornianAlumni were trying to set us a 55th Reunion for the Jan. 1952 Class. He was very encouraging,however wewere not successful. He certainly epitomized "You can ifyou will for Roosevelt" and was the "Heart" of RooseveltHigh School. The finesttribute to Al will be someone tostep up and continue his work. Shirley Kaplan Berg {class of January 1952

I was on Coach Klein's first RHS football team as a senior in 1956. Coach Klein was the anthesis of the person he replaced and because of that I went out for the team and have many great memories. I dare anyone to say is name out loud or think of him and not have a smile on their faces. That's the kind of guy he was.

Before he coached at Roosevelt, Al Klein was my neighborhood's JCC basketball coach at the then new Loyola Park. A wonderful guy who influenced a generation of Rogers Park kids, most of whom, if they're still whom, are 75 and older.

I wish to offer my sincere condolences to the entire Klein family. Mr. Klein was my counselor in 1968 and I vividly remember how he helped me secure a scholarship for college. As a teacher concluding my 36th academic year, I still don't measure up to the impossible high standard he established as a teacher, counselor, coach, administrator and human being.

What a marvelous legacy to the Klein family. To know that 'Coach' was loved, admired and remembered fondly by so many students, alumni, co-workers and acquaintances! He truly left his mark on so many of us.....Class of 71

Someone who always had a smile on his face and a kind word, who will surely be missed by anyone who knew him

Was coached by, and had great rememberances of Coach Klein.
Michael Seltzer, Class of June 1960.

Most of all I remember Mr. Kleins "SMILE" & "UP BEAT ATTITUDE".
He ment a lot to so many kids at Roosevelt High School though out the yrs. He was quite a gem. God Bless You for how you influnced so many people by example and in your own character of every day living.
Class of 1975
Sincerely, Nina Rose Lawcewicz Jawnyj

My thoughts and prayers go out To the Klein Family. Coach was a big inspiration to many and a good friend to all his students. Graduated 1976 RHS. You will truely be missed

I extend my deepest sympathies and prayers to the entire Klein family. I graduated from Roosevelt in January 1960. Coach Klein WAS Roosevelt through his help to so many students and former students both during his years with RHS and his wonderful work after to keep us all connected. We are all the better for having known him and we are all mourning his loss.

Coach was a special man in a special place. Coach helped shape the lives of 1000's of Rough Riders. My thoughts and prayers to Coach's family. All of us are better human beings because of Coach.

Class of 62

My prayers go out to the entire Klein family. Coach Klein was one of the finest teachers and gentlemen that I have had the privilege of meeting. He was always kind and encouraging to myself and every student at Roosevelt. He was and will always be a Rough Rider.

I graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1977, it was my priviledge and honor to have met and known Mr. Klein while at high school. He truly loved RHS in every way shape and form. He was a man of many hats, but he truly loved coaching. though I did not play for him, there were many times in passing through the halls that he had kinds words of encourage and wisdom which I took to heart. He will truly be missed and my heart goes out to his family.

Class of "77"

My thoughts to the friends and family of Coach Klein. He was a true Rough Rider. He will be missed by all that new him.."67"

Mr. Klein was truely one of a kind. He really loved his job and it showed. Always there to help and always a smile on his face. As others have already mentioned, he WAS Mr. RHS#1. He will be missed by everyone whose lives he touched. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Class of '74

Mr. Klein was a great coach and human being. He was so liked, that I decided to include him in my family...and I did.
This is a great loss to all.

Moshe Fried, class of '67

My mom and I send our dearest condolences to Edith and the entire family. Our cousin, Al, was the best kind of person, a real mensch - kind and wonderful.
Sending love,


Florence and Mimi Pais

Al Klien was a very positive influence on many students, including me. A true Mr Holland story where he affected so many in a positive way. (Class of '81)

My prayers go out to coach Klein family. I was from class of 77 and the coach was a good person.May God Bless Your family always.

To the Klein family, my prayers and thoughts are with you. Mr Klein was one of the best! He truly cared about Roosevelt and his students, he will be surely missed

Dear Klein Family,
My condolences to you all. I'd like to express that I remember Mr.Klein as a kind man, he was someone who carried a smile from his heart. He was loved and respected and that will carry on forever. Much peace to the Klein family. Rest in peace Mr Klein~~Go Rough Rider Go~~

Mr. Klein made the world a better place! He will surely be missed. Condolences to his family. RHS Class of 77'

To the Klein family, Mr. Klein was more than an administartor, a teacher...he was a true friend, a real inspiration. Always a kind word, a boost to the morale, he will truly be missed. May G-d comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. RHS Class of'77

Coach Klein was the "best of the best". An inspiration to all who knew him and a shining example of what a teacher\coach should be. My condolences to his family.

Milan Mitrovic (Class of '68)

I'm one of the OLDER signers. I met Al years after my class of '50 graduated.We exchanged memos and tid bits for the RAN. My thoughts are with the family.

Thank you Mr. Klien you made the years at Roosevelt some of the most memoral in my life, even the times when called to your office, you were a fair and honest man. God Bless you and keep you by his side. Reat well and keep up the great coaching up in heaven.....

As an athlete at Roosevelt HS during, the 1960's, Mr. Klein
was a dedicated individual who always did his best for the students. He gave 100% to all of us on the field and in the classroom. In the world of cinema, there was Mr. Holland's Opus. We proudly had Mr. Klein. 1969 grad

Dear Edith and Family: It is with a heavy heart that I am writing to all of you and expressing my deepest sympathy on the passing of Coach Al Klein. May his memory live in your hearts forever. I know that my memory of Al and Edith at my 50th RHS reunion in September 2008 is as clear and fresh as the week end you both spent at my class reunion at the Embassy Suites in Deerfield. It was my honor and pleasure getting to know you both while we had dinner at the same table. Also, an unbelieveable pleasure to be invited into your home and present you with pictures from the Reunion week end. Edith, you and Al will always remain the perfect couple always in love with each other. May G-D bless you and your lovely family with loving memories of Coach Al Kelin today and forever. With Love, Carolyn Cooper June '58 RHS

My condolences to the Klein family. Of all the administrators, teachers and coaches at Roosevelt High; Mr. Klein was one I always remembered. He had a big heart and loved Roosevelt High. Go Rough Rider Go. Class of 77

To Coach Klein's Family,
In my seventy years of living, I can easily say one of the nicest people I ever met was Coach Klein. He was friendly, warm, and assisted so many people in making their lifes better. It was an honor to know and deal with him. He leaves this place so much better by the way he led his life. Coach, "Rest in Peace"

Thanks for you,
Bill Levy (RHS 58)

Having attended Roosevelt from 1961 to 1965, I knew who Al Klein was. He was the Coach that got us to Soldier's Field. However, being a girl, I had no opportunity to talk to him. I did, however, meet him at an All-Class Reunion in Studio City, CA. He was a lovely man, and he did a very nice favor for me. He most certainly was MR. RHS!!!!

Sorry to hear of Mr. Klein's passing. He was loved and respected by all at Roosevelt who knew him. You could always depend on him for help when you needed it. You knew that he loved all the students. God bless the Klein family! Cheryl Braeckman Stone, Class of '77.

Dear Klein Family,
I worked with Al for several years at Roosevelt High School. He was an assistant principal while I was there as principal. His advice to me was always helpful and meaningful. He cared deeply for the students and was always a gentleman. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him.
May your wonderful memories bring you comfort at this sad time.

Sincerely,
Jack Sherman
Retired Princiapal of Roosevelt High School

Coach Klein would always have a smile and a hello for RHS students. He loved to teach and coach and his love spread to his students and athletes. He will certainly be missed. My prayers are with his family. See you again someday, Coach Klein!

Coach Klein was a man who taught me many great lessons which I still remember and practice to this day. I played football for Roosevelt and for the Coach. You may be missed but you are in the hearts and minds of many of the people you touched.

THANK YOU AL Klein. Class of January, 1963.

I spent my years at RHS from 1976-1980 and in my free time assisted in the discipline office. Mr. Klein, Dena Wendel, Linda Kaplan and Shirley Kane-Greenberg were wonderful mentors for me. The respect and professionalism I received from "Our Assistant Principal" and all the staff that I worked closely with, taught me the most important lessons in life and has helped immensely in my career.
When I moved to Hoffman Estates I needed an eye doctor and met Dr. Gary Morgan. Once he found out that I was a "Rough Rider" the next 45 minutes were spent talking about Al Klein and Roosevelt.
It's amazing all the people that I have met in my adult life that were products of RHS, always say did you know "Al Klein". Did I know the man, I was privileged to work with him as a student.
May his family and every person he touched in life continue to hold his great memories in their hearts.

Just read of his passing in the newspaper. He was a wonderful caring man. I can still remember when he worked in my Fathers hardware store.

Coach Klein was a man who truly loved teaching and all who knew him knew this! You will be missed! God bless.

Remember him always saying: "you can, if you will for Roosevelt". Was a great man and a great advocate for RHS and its students. The epitome of a great educator. They don't make them like that any more. Condolences to his family.

Coach Klein was truly a mentsch, a good, caring, generous and decent human being. My condolences to his family.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

He was great man and he will be missed! My prayers and thoughts to his Family! He will always be remembered!

Leslie Belson
Chicago Illinois

Al Klein was Mr.Roosevelt High School,he was a tremendous human being.His loss will be felt by all alumni.My sympathy is his family and all that knew him.
Arnold Solars,RHSClass of June1960

Al was always there. He was my mentor in the discipline office and when I became a counselor. It was such an honor working with him, laughing with him and learning from him. Mr RHS 1!!!!

Coach Klein was may teacher as a student at RHS and a collegue and fellow coach when I taught. He was always supportive and the best of the best! He,ll forever be in the thoughts of all who knew him and always in the halls of ROOSEVELT.My condolences to his family , Hell be missed

A tremendous loss to all alumni of Roosevelt High School. A wonderful teacher, football coach and gentleman who was truly Mr. RHS. His newsletter united all generation of Rough Riders around the country. God bless him and his family. Stan Davidson RHS Class of 64

As a female, I didn't have the pleasure of calling you my coach...but as a Roosevelt student and long time reader of the Alum News, I pay tribute to you as a wonderful human being.
Anne Ruda Lidsky
Northbrook, Il

So very sad to hear of "Coach Klein's" passing. He was such a positive presence during my years at Roosevelt, offering, to seemingly everyone, a friendly smile and an upbeat attitude, always. No doubt, he will be deeply missed. My prayers and condolences to the Klein family and his "players". GOD Bless...

Coach Klein was my football coach at Francis W. Parker High School. He was a tremendous teacher, who emphasized the fundamentals. He helped give us a winning tradition, and a "can do" attitude. I remember Coach, fondly. A truly great man.
Bill Rosen

There's simply no other way for me to describe him: Al Klein was truly a mentsch. My condolences to his family.

Carole Lachman Perlman
RHS Class of '67.

What a great Guy!! Al will be missed by many. Sincere Sympathy to Edith and the family. Al was a fun guy to be around, he was interested in everything and had a great memory. Remembered my husband and our business even after not seeing us for several years.
Amazing guy!
Jim & Linda Andelin Strid-Roosevelt High School, Class of June 1958

I fractured my ankle at practice just before a game and Coach Klein actually drove me home. That was the kind of Coach and person he was. Always a smile and "hello" in the hall. I graduated in '63 and will never forget him. Sincere condolences to his family on their loss and the loss of a friend to all his students.

Al Klein is one of the nicest and kindest person I ever had the good fortune to know.
Walter Smolak

This is how I will always remember you, at your best, coaching.

We will miss you Coach Klein. You truly loved teaching and coaching and it showed. I went to Roosevelt in the 70's and still remember how special you were and still are to all of the Roosevelt students! I am glad to have visited you a few years ago and remember all your wonderful stories- especially those about Bateman grammar school. You will be missed!!

Coach Klein, You will be missed, you were my first and best football coach, I remember talking to you earlier this year and seeing you at the hall of fame dinner last year. I liked your newsletter. Our thoughts and prayer go out to your family.
God Bless, Joe & Heidi Fiorentino