Theodore Jacob Klein

Theodore Jacob Klein, age 86, of Plano, TX. and formerly of Fox River Grove, IL, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2015. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin Marcellus and Amelia Susan (Brinkman) Klein; as well as his beloved wife Elsa Balk (Miller) Klein. He is survived by his children, Toni Lee Gilbert (John), Timothy L. (Suzanne) Klein, Susan A. (Thomas) Gallagher and Phillip D. (Candace) Klein. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Alex (Melissa) Kraus, Erika (Scott) Brown; Alexander, Stephen and Joseph Klein; Taryn (Caleb) Hope, and Tommy Gallagher; Cameron, Christian and Kirsten Klein and great grandchildren Morgan and Lo aus and Emma and Jacob Brown. He leaves behind a dear brother Paul Brinkman (Nancy) Klein; and a sister-in-law Grete McKenna; many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.Born in La Crosse, Wisconsin on February 2, 1929, Ted was a self-taught pioneer of many trades. He could fix anything, including a broken heart. He loved adventures and being outdoors. His church was his many gardens where he talked to God and grew multitudes of produce. He was an appliance repairman by trade and acquired a laundromat and the Tastee Treets after the owners were exhausted from the need for repairing machines necessary to keep their businesses profitable. He loved taking his wife, Elsa and family, on exciting vacations. He was not one to relax, so on occasion he would find himself earning a free meal or two for repairing something or simply putting the morning towels on the awaiting chaises around the pool. He was a lifelong "Cheesehead" Packer Backer and proudly wore green and gold all the time. His favorite performer was "Mr. Blue Eyes", Frank Sinatra. Everyone knew that he did things his way and his children learned the words to "My Way" very early in life. He loved fishing, (anywhere), a great (or cheap) cigar and his "Dad's" Root Beer. He was wise beyond years and had a story for anyone with an ear to listen. His perpetual smile and positive attitude will live on in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Ted Klein was a true success..... "To laugh often and much to win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child a garden patch or redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded".A visitation will take place Saturday, June 6, 2015 from 10:00 AM and concluding with A Memorial Service at 11:00 AM at Salem Methodist Church, 115 W. Lincoln, Barrington, Il. Military honors to follow at 2:30 PM at Windridge Memorial Park. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Theodore Jacob Klein please visit our Sympathy Store.

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