Born: December 16, 1942 - Deceased: August 26, 2021
Benjamin A. Klein, 78, of Millstadt, IL, born Wednesday, December 16, 1942; in St. Louis, MO, passed away Thursday, August 26, 2021; at his residence in Millstadt.
Benjamin was High School Teacher for Cahokia School District 187. He volunteered with the Good News Club at St. Matthew Church. He also worked with Life Network and Good Samaritan Center. He was a U.S. Veteran that served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War era.
Ben had a passion for the past. He was a member of the Shiloh Valley Muzzleloaders Club where he re-enacted life before the Civil War. He then got involved with the Single Action Shooting Society where he got to play cowboys with his friends. He loved classic cars and restored several of them. His latest was a 1949 Ford with flames on the side.
He had horses,Trigger and Trooper, for years and loved to ride. He built a cabin with the help of family and friends on Lake of Egypt and loved to fish and entertain the grandkids! He loved Alaska and got to travel there many times. He loved life and experience it all to the fullest
with Barb, his wife of 60 years.
He lived a very active life until a fall on July 31.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Parents, Harold E. and Catherine M., nee Ham, Klein
Surviving are his:
- Wife, Barbara Ruth, nee Adams, Klein, of Millstadt, IL
- Children:
- Todd (Kellie) Klein of Chesterton, IN
- Debbie (Bill) Lay of McKinney, TX
- Christine (John) Steger of Webster Groves, MO
- Jennifer (Jason) Stauffer of Millstadt, IL
- Sister, Ruth (Bobby) Fox of Paragould, AR
- Grandchildren:
- Amanda (Michael) Hoffmann
- Andrew (Lesley) Mack
- Benjamin Steger
- Jacob Stauffer
- Max Steger
- Lucas Klein
- Cole Klein
- Sydney Stauffer
- Ashton (Walker) Schra
- Matt Lay
- Great Grandchildren:
- Emerson
- Cayden
- A.J.
- Logan
- Quinn
Memorials: Memorials may be made to Life Network in Waterloo, IL.
Visitation: Visitation from 4:00- 8:00 pm, Monday, August 30, 2021 at St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Belleville, IL.
Memorial Service and luncheon will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at St. Matthew United Methodist Church, with Rev. Larry Patton officiating. Interment will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO at 1:30 pm with Honors.
7 Comments
I’m so sorry for your loss. Ben was a great guy. I enjoyed being with him on Lake Egypt when I was younger. He was also a great cousin to be around. He will be missed dearly
Thank you Ben for all of the memories growing up, the cabin, horses and your family. Thank you for your service to our country. Our sympathies go to the family as you mourn the loss of a father, grandfather and friend!
The Lee’s
Barb, Jennifer & family: We are so sorry for the loss of Ben. He will definitely be missed! Don and I will always hold a special place in our hearts for him, along with you, Barb, Jennifer & Jason, who were wonderful mentors to us years ago in our first Sunday School class at St. Matthew! We’ve had great times through the years and are blessed to know you all! Please remember we’re just a couple miles down the road for any support you may need!
Barb, Carolyn & I send our sincere condolences. Ben was the anchor of the Vocational Department and an awesome role model for both students and staff. I’m very proud to have known and worked with him at CHS. When I became an administrator, it quickly became evident that having someone like Ben on your staff made your job not only more easy, but also much more enjoyable.
I am so sorry for your loss
Ben was one of the best teachers I ever had, I enjoyed every day in auto shop he taught myself and others so much.
Because of Ben I choose to be a AIRCRAFT Mechanic 37 years now, I regret not seeing him and telling him thank you. CHS class of 80
We are so heart broken to hear about Ben. He will be dearly missed!! We didn’t get to see you guys often but when we did get together it was wonderful ! Ben and Jim had similar interests and Ben was so easy to visit with. . Will never forget our trip to Jamaica and our tour with Gilbert the guide!! Barb you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers for strength during the days ahead.
I was sorry to hear about Ben. He was such a friendly man. I didn’t know him well. but I could see how devoted was to Barb and his family. My prayers are with you all.