Michael Klein Obituary

To the family of Michael S. Klein:



Most of what I know of Mike has come from his mother, and I hope these words will offer some comfort to all of those whose lives he touched and especially to his immediate family and siblings:



"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.



For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.



For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.



For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ,shall rise first:



Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.



Wherefore comfort one another with these words." 1Thessalonians 4:13-18



Also, I believe Mike may have thought of these words as his longsuffering health continued to deteriorate:



"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.



I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:



Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only but unto all them also that love his appearing." 11Timothy 4:6-8



May we all find some comfort in the all too soon death of Michael through our faith in God and the hope of everlasting life. With much condolence and many prayers. Mary Fairchild

Mike was always someone I looked up to.When just a few years older than us, he coached our St. Joe's football team and he always pushed us and challenged us to be our best.Mike was a great athlete and proved that on the Loyola Academy basketball team. Even in our 30 something years, a softball game with Mike was always intensely competitive. Fortunately I don't think Mike ever knew how much fun Steve and I had with his baby blue "67 327 Chevelle SS, is that OK to say that Steve? Mike fought until the end and we love him for that and for the great life he lead. God Bless him and all his family.



Tom Fitzgerald

Thanks to all of you for your kind thoughts and prayers whether through this site, cards,e-mail or by phone. I have heard from many people all over the country.



Klein Tools is preparing a memorial newsletter with pictures of Mike and the eulogies from the funeral service. If you would like a copy, please send me you address via e-mail.



Also thanks to all who tried so hard to make arrangements to come to the funeral but could not due to the tragic effents of September 11th. I know we all have the victims of that day in our prayers.

Thanks again,

Mat Klein III

My eulogy to my brother Mike,

You came into the world and challenged it so; you were nothing but real from head to toes.



Challenges were fun and a source of stimulation; and therefore tackled with the utmost determination.



Your creative, enthusiastic and active nature; were examples to all to reach out and capture.



Compassionate behavior was an ace; with supportive advise to make a case.



Crossword puzzles, sports and runraising; coaching, family and time for hell-raising.



Priorities discussed and then were set; and more than not were often met.



With family needs at the top of the list; came love, respect and some genuine mist.



Be and do the best that you can; was your motto forever inscribed in the sand.



When it came to supporting your neighboring community; you did it with love and the utmost sincerity.



From organizations, coaching and boards; you used all your leadership skills and sored.



We will miss your poems, singing and sorts; and your never ending ways of supports.



All who have known you were moved to action; using our skills was a natural reaction.



You fought a good fight year after year; mixed with faith, courage and fear.



Thankyou for the gifts that your shared; pray and watch over us and we won't be scared.



Love,

Your sister Janice

Gwen - -



Our prayers are with you and your family. Mike was a great guy and was always one you could count on.



Rick & Mart Sullivan

Suwanee, GA

Dear Klein Family,

I am greatly saddened to have to say goodbye to a person who enriched my life in ways I'm still to become aware of. One example however is that Mike minced no words. He challenged me personally to move to a more hospitable climate when I would attempt to grouse about the long, cold winters in Wyoming. I took him up on his challenge and moved to California last year. Thanks Mike! Besides, according to him, there were no decent sports teams to follow and absolutely no car racing which we both loved. In short, we have the joy of many memories but the heart ache of having to let his spirit be with God now. I am unable to get a flight out of here to come and join all of you to celebrate Mike's life. I am with you all in spirit and love.

Robin Kirby

I have plans and reservations to fly to Chicago tonight to be there tommorow for the funeral. However, no flights departing from RDU have yet been announced. I'll be there in spirit and look forward to a day I might visit you and Mike's memorial spot. He will always have a spot in my heart and a piece of my spirit with him. Mike celebrated greatness every day. I pray someday we'll all share his perspective.

Our condolences to the entire Klein family along with these two prayers of St. Ignatius Loyola: "Take, O Lord, and receive my entire liberty, my memory, my understanding and my whole will. All that I am and all that I possess You have given me: I surrender it all to You to be disposed of according to Your will. Give me only Your love and Your grace; with these I will be rich enough, and will desire nothing more" .... and .... "Dearest Lord, teach me to be generous; teach me to serve You as You deserve; to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to ask for reward save that of knowing I am doing Your Will."

Hi GWEN...please excuse the typo in my original note. I know that Mike would be giving me a hard time about

my typing skills...or lack thereof.

All our love, Mike & Marilyn

Hi Gewn,

Marilyn and I want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time in your life. Please let Michael, Karen, Kevin and Derek know how sorry we are that they lost their Dad at such an early age. Our condolences to MatIII, Steve, Bob, Jeanne and Janice. We have enrolled

Mike in the Perpetual Mass Association which will include Masses at the Shrines of Fatima, Pontevedra, Holy House U.S.A. and the Shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. We will send you the confirmation along with a personal letter, later today. All our love,

Mike and Marilyn

Dear Gwen:

My condolences to you, the children, and the rest of the family.

I will miss my email exchanges with Mike regarding the relative merits of the Duke and Illinois basketball teams.

On Aug. 31, he sent me a message on how important it is to enjoy your family and forget your troubles. At the time, I did not know how sick he was until I got a call from Mike Loftus.

Take care and God bless,

Bill

MATT,

I AM VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

My condolences to you and your family.

Dear Gwen:



I extend condolences from June and I to you and your family.



Sincerely,



Tom S. O'Donoghue, Jr.

I do not know what to say, my son

is alive from cancer, because of the

concern and care of the Klein Family.



May God Bless you all.