Kinder-A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 2pm at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church for Charles G. Klein, 90, who died on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at Christus St. Francis Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria, La.
Father Michael Shatzle, nephew, will officiate. Burial will follow in Dry Creek Cemetery under the direction of Ardoin Funeral Home of Kinder.
The family requests that visitation be observed at Ardoin Funeral Home of Kinder from 1-10pm on Monday with a rosary being led by Mr. Klein's sisters-in-law at 7pm. Visitation will continue on Tuesday morning from 8am until time of service.
A native of Oberlin and resident of Dry Creek, Charlie proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a Staff Sergeant in the 334th Infantry 84th Division, nick-named the "Rail-splitters." He fought at the Battle of the Bulge in the European Theatre of Operations under the leadership of General George S. Patton. Mr. Klein was a successful farmer, rancher, and businessman for over 60 years. He was a past member of many community and civic organizations including-Allen Parish Farm Bureau; Allen Parish Fair Association; Allen Parish Cattleman's Association; Louisiana Rice Council, Rice Research and Promotion Board; Louisiana Soybean Association; Honorary Chapter Farmer for the FFA, Oberlin Chapter. He was also a Charter Member of the Oberlin Lions Club, Kinder Chamber of Commerce member and the Knights of Columbus-4th Degree Knight. He was an avid fan of the New Orleans Saints and Classic Television Westerns. He enjoyed a good cup of coffee and sitting on his porch visiting with his family and friends.
Survivors include his wife, Rea Tate Klein of Dry Creek; two daughters-Jane Gates, husband, Stan of Rayne, Dorothy LaFargue, husband, Wayland of Kinder; five sons: James Klein- wife, Katherine of Las Vegas; Gerald Klein-wife, Pat of Oberlin, Alvin Klein-wife, Margie of Youngsville, Robert Klein-wife, Debbie of Kinder, and Harold Klein-wife, Sheila of Dry Creek; four step-children: Vicky Sue Shelton-husband, Greg of Illinois, Keith Tate-wife, Sue of Alexandria, James Tate-wife, Ann of Georgia and Kenny Tate-wife, Susana of Mexico; twenty four grandchildren: Kristin, Monique, Shannon, Kayla, Lacey, Jacob, Nicole, Courtney, Kyle, Brandy, Summer, Lance, Garrett, Kelly, Mikel, Dani, Rebecca, Rachel, Klein, John Daniel, Jay, Jennifer, Jacqueline and Kaleb; and thirty-seven great grandchildren.
Charles is preceded in death by his first wife, Elizabeth Berken Klein; infant son, Robert John Klein; parents, Leonard and Katherine Klein; sisters, Dorothy Klein, Barbara Trahan, and Margaret Shatzle; and brothers, John D. Klein and Peter Joseph Klein.
Pallbearers will be Bobby Broussard, Gene Juranka, James Burton, Leo Hebert, Kenneth Tate, and Chuck Melsheimer. Honorary pallbearers include Keith Tate, Troy Arnold, Dewayne Chatney and Morris (Buddy) Botley.