"I just seen this today. I also lost my girlfriend around the same time. Rose was a second mother to me. Some of my best memories are playing with Jason and you and Bob took me camping! I just wanted you to know those were really the best days of my life. You were so kind and Bob. You never put me down you were always so nice to me and I thank you! I really hope everyone is doing well. Randy Ballweg"
In loving memory of
Robert Klein
May 5, 2011
Robert Martin Klein transitioned to eternal life on May 5th, 2011 at the age of 65. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 45 years Rose Marie (Barrons). Beloved father of Kevin (Penny), Jason (Lisa), Suzanne (Brent) Shepherd, and Michael (Terra); proud and cherished grandfather of Kaden, Megan, Jack, and Max; brother of Dorothy Bonen and Susan (Bill) Baccus; son-in-law of Rose Barrons and brother-in-law of Bill Baccus, Stewart (Sally) Barrons, Margaret (Rick) Keen, Robert (Holly) Barrons. Bob is further survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and very special friends.
Bob was a successful and trusted agent for Farmers Insurance and ran his own agency for 20 years. Previously he had been the Executive Manager of FW Woolworth on Madison's Capitol square , Assistant Manager of Value Village Northridge Mall- Portage, and an adjuster for Employers Insurance of Wausau. Bob also proudly served as a member of the Wisconsin National Guard.
Bob was born on the first day of summer in 1945 to Martin and Laura (Rivest) Klein of Tamarack Mills, MI and was always proud that he grew up in the beautiful Keeweenaw Penninsula. He enjoyed spending every summer with family and friends on Lake Superior. Bob was an alum of Dollar Bay High School where he earned his letter playing basketball, Suomi College (1965) where he earned his Associate in Commerce, and Northern Michigan University (1968) where he earned his BS in Business Administration.
Bob lived his life for his family and enjoyed spending time with them camping, fishing, biking, and canoeing. He was a huge fan of the Green Bay Packers and saw his lifelong wish for another Super Bowl win fulfilled in February and we can still hear him say "Go Pack, Go! "
Bob fought metastatic prostate cancer for 6 years and participated in many experimental clinical trials to find a cure for this disease. Special thanks to all of the physicians, nurses and staff of the UW Carbone GU Clinic, Dr. Bruce Baranski and the Hospice IPU-Fitchburg for their very compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Bob's name to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, UW Carbone Cancer Center, or HospiceCare-Fitchburg.
Throughout this journey, Bob drew strength from his knowledge of our loving heavenly Father and found comfort in His word which gave him peace surpassing all understanding. Bob is a faithful and proud member of St. Albert the Great parish in Sun Prairie since 1974. His final service and the celebration of his transition to eternal life and Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, 2420 Saint Albert the Great Drive Sun Prairie, WI on Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 11 AM. A visitation will be Wednesday, May 11, 2011 from 5 - 7 p.m. at Cress Funeral Home, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie and also at the church on Thursday from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass.
Tributes
"Dear Rose and family,
Our most sincere sympathy in the loss of your dear husband, father, and grandfather. Bob was a valued and fondly remembered classmate, friend, basketball player, and motivated athlete and student, always with grace and wit. May your memories bring you comfort and peace.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all,
John and Mary Lee (Kettenbeil DBHS class of 1963) Mikkola"
"Rose & Family, Our condolences & deepest sympathy on Bob's passing. We know you & Bob have had a very difficult last few years and our thoughts and prayers have been w/you. Bob and I trained together as new Farmers Agents many moons ago and I remember it was always joyful to come to class because Bob always made you feel relaxed, was always inquisitive, and knew how to have fun. It's always been a pleasure to talk w/ Bob over the years to catch-up. It is unfortunate God took such a good soul at this point in his life but that must be just part of the master plan....no doubt he is in good hands and is at peace."
"Rosie&Family, It's been years since we have been in touch,but when we read about Bob's passing,had to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers."
"COUSIN BOBBY, HAVENT SEEN YOU SINCE WE WERE KIDS, DOROTHY HAS KEEP ME INFORMED ABOUT YOU FROM TIME TO TIME, I WISH I HAD HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE KNOW YOU. YOUR PASSING HAD SADDENED ME SO VERY MUCH, WHAT A OUTSTANDING TRIBUTE I HAVE JUST READ ABOUT YOU. WHAT A INSPIRATION YOU MUST HAVE BEEN TO ALL WHO KNEW YOU. MAY OUR GOOD LORD HOLD YOU IN THE CRADLE OF HIS LOVING ARMS AND CONTINUE TO BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS, COUSIN BRUCE "
"Rose and family, We're thinking of you all at this difficult time and send our deepest sympathy. Bob will be sadly missed by all. He fought a brave fight and is finally at peace. You are in prayers."
"Bob was a friendly neighbor and a man of good cheer. He was courageous in his fight with this disease and was always optimistic despite pain and setbacks. We will all miss Bob and our sympathies are extended to you, Rose and family."
"Rose and Family, Thinking of you during this very difficult time. Sincerely, Emlynn Grisar"
"So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Rosie, it was my Birthday too. Love you both and keep having the the good thoughts that you both shared. Your friend, Mark Kitti PS: I remember the time we shared on the beach on Lake Superior..."
"Dear Rose & family, As a good friend and former co-worker of Rose, my husband and I fondly remember meeting Bob and getting to know him as a very special husband and father. We share a special bond with Rose and Bob since our pets (Bella & Daisy) are sisters. May he rest in peace with our heavenly father. "
"I remember meeting Bob for the first time in Portage. He was so kind and personable. Very few people we meet leave a lasting first impression and he certainly did.
David and I are sorry for your loss and you are in our prayers."
"Dear Rose & family & Bella,
We'll always see Bob's smiling face on the beach of Lake Superior. Heaven must have a cold beer & a warm sandy beach spot for him. Love to you all. Joey & Bill"
"Rose and Family So sorry to hear about Bob. We know that he is no longer suffering, but it is still difficult to lose a loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours."
"Rose and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You have our thoughts and prayers at this time. Dewayne Johnson DOT SE Region"
"We are thinking of you in this difficult time. Bob will be greatly missed. The family is in our thoughts and prayers."
"I so enjoyed talking with Bob as we worked out in the pool. He had a great sense of humor and such a positive outlook to life. He always praised my walking efforts and encouraged me to "keep up the good work". Bob touched my life and will always have a special place in my heart. "
"Rose, I will remember the repose of Bob's soul in my masses here in China and will keep all of you in my prayers at this time of great loss. Peace, Your cousin Brian"
"Please know your in our hearts and prayers at this difficult time. Love to all of your family. Aunt Ruth and Jerry Barnett "
"I am a former co-worker of Rose and I met Bob through Rose. We also have a connection because we are the owners of sibling Maltese. As I have grown to know Bob and Rose, I discovered that they truly know the Lord and that he is our comforter. I pray that God will wrap his arms around Rose and the rest of their family during this time and draw them closer to each other and nearer to him. I know that God will give Rose and her family the strength to carry on and that he will continue to watch over them. "
"I've had the pleasure of knowing Bob throughout our years in school. He was noted for his intelligence and quick wit. He was popular in school and a friend to all. He had a sweet jump shot and was a determined rebounder. We were lucky enough to renew our friendship a few years ago when Rosie and Bob were visiting family nearby. We extend our condolences to Rosie and family. Jim and Dar Huovinen Eagle River, Michigan"