Harley G. Klein passed away at the age of 75 at Billings Clinic Hospital in Billings, Montana on October 19, 2017 after a short illness.
He was born the son of the late Moses and Pauline (Reiter) Klein on August 7, 1942. Harley lived in Laurel with his parents and in July of 1946 his father Moses was killed in an automobile accident, a few days before Harley’s 5th birthday. Polly continued to live and work in Laurel with her children. Harley was baptized in the Frist Congregational Church in Laurel and later become a member of the E & R Church in Hardin. In January of 1952 when Polly married Jacob Kern, they moved to live and farm north of Hardin. When Polly and her three kids married Jacob, she acquired a huge family, as Jacob was a widower who had seven children. Along with her three children, it became a blended family of ten. In August of 1956, Diana joined the union of Jacob and Pauline. Harley learned to work hard on the farm doing the chores and doing the beet labor work on their farm, but later worked for Raglund’s on their farm in the Big Horn Valley. Finally finding work at the Tribune Herald Newspaper, Harley finally had a new niche. He worked with some of the very first computers and typesetting and decided to make a move to Miles City in the fall of 1970. Finding the work not as satisfying as he had hoped, he decided to try construction for the summer and look for a job at the Post Office. He often told me that he thought they would turn him away for being so persistent, but they hired him and he retired from that job after almost 38 years in September of 2006.
Harley and Janet (Burass) married in Rapid City, South Dakota on August 3, 1979 on Jane’s mother’s birthday. Neither of them wanting a big wedding decided to elope after knowing one another for only six weeks. They celebrated their 38th anniversary in August. Janet acquired two children and Harley gained a mother and father-in-law who thought very highly of him. After they married, they bought a house that was in construction and Harley and Janet made it home, finishing one part of the basement as a music room/recreational room where they spent a lot of time together, playing pool and having a brew or two.
Harley’s love of music, guitars and playing in bands were prevalent in his earlier years playing at many dances and talent shows and he was proud to tell you of those endeavors. Another passion was his wood work and he loved to make things over the winter months. Gardening was his summer hobby and he loved and took so much pride in his yard and home.
In January 2013, there were some puppies in the pet store and I asked Harley if he wanted to ‘just go look’ for a companion for our Shih Tzu, Shami…that lead to a new life for Harley! We brought home Vini and that puppy followed him that night and ever since…they being the best of buds!! Harley while in the hospital could only talk of his dog and getting home to all of us! He had many pets in his life, but this one was his one and only!
Preceding Harley in death is his father Moses Klein, his mother Pauline Kern, his step father Jacob Kern and stepbrothers: Henry, Lawrence and Robert Kern along with beloved sister Diana Kern Uffleman. He is survived by his wife Janet Klein, his sisters: Connie Enzminger and Patty Klein both of Hardin, MT; his son Stacy (Tawnie) Klein and granddaughter Courtney of Tacoma, WA; his daughter Rene’ (Jim) Driscoll and their son Hunter of Peyton, CO and step grandson James Driscoll of North Carolina and step son Eric Larson of Camano Island, WA. Also survived Harley are stepbrothers Marvin Kern of WA, Donald (Ginger) Kern of Billings, sister-in-law Gloria Kern of Billings, Harvey (Helen) Kern of Worland, WY and stepsister Darlene (Eddie) Keller of Billings, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins and a best friend Vini. Memorials in Harley’s honor may be made to the Range Riders Museum, Miles City, MT.
Visitation will be held on Monday, October 23, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences to the family may be sent to: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday October 23, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday October 24, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, MT 59301
Interment
following funeral service
Tuesday October 24, 2017
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday October 23, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday October 24, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, MT 59301
Interment
following funeral service
Tuesday October 24, 2017
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, MT 59301
Fern Griggs says
Janet, I was so sorry to hear of Harley’s passing. My heart goes out to you at this time……Cousin Fern
Vanna Byrd says
Oh, Janet, please accept my sincere condolences. Heaven has gained another angel. May God’s live envelope and comfort you….Vanna
Vanna Byrd says
That would be God’s love envelope and comfort you. Vanna
Jim and Ann Willson says
Janet:
Our Greatest Sympathy goes out to you and all your family. May God wrap his arms around you and help you through this. Remember all those great memories.
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
We are so sorry to hear about Harley.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Fran Pettigrew says
Janet – I am sorry to hear the news about Harley. Your in my thoughts and prayers. Wish I were closer to be there for you.
Becky Gergen says
Sorry to hear about Harley. I really enjoyed him at the post office.
Donna Orthman says
Janet I just learned of your loss. Please accept my condolences. You are in my thoughts and I pray that God will be your comfort in this trying time.
Fred & Mary says
Janet,
we’re truly sorry about Harley’s passing! Please know that we are keeping you in our prayers!
I imagine that there are other “Yellowstone Street” residents that met him at the pearly gates!
Blessings~
Laurie Claypool says
Janet, so sorry to hear about Harley. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time! Laurie, Duane, Anna, and Bryan Claypool
Renée Peterson says
Janet, so sorry to read about Harley. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marlys Eggum says
Oh Janet, I am so, so sorry!
Marlys
Dawn Krahwinkel says
Janet,
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers are with you.
Jennifer Nagle says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ginger & Joe Kiel says
Sincere sympathy for your loss. Prayers and hugs … your memories will help ease your sorrow.
Sharon Wetsch says
Janet,
I was so sorry to hear that you lost Harley. He was a sweetheart. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hugs.
Jeri Dalbec says
Janet, I feel so sad and sorry. Prayers for your family.
Carrie Van Krieken says
Janet, We are thinking of you.
Cousin Carrie and Ed
Dorrie Mangen says
Mike and I wish to send our sincere condolences for Harley’s passing. Mike has many memories of working with him in Miles City. God be with you.
Bill and Sharon Oftedal says
Janet,
I’m so sorry–my heart goes out to you.
Jody and BIll Wallick says
Janet, Bill and I are so very sorry to hear about Harley. We are thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers. Hold on to many years of good memories.
Tom and Kathy Strub says
Very sorry for your loss. Harley was a good guy. May your memories bring you comfort
Ruben and June Opp says
Janet,We are sorry to see of Harley’s passing Wish I was there to hug you .Sorry we will not be there for his service but know our thoughts and prayers are with you.God bless and comfort you now and in the days ahead
Love June and Ruben Opp11
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
My thoughts go out to you, Janet & family in your great loss of dear Harley. Words cannot even come close to expressing my sincere sympathy for you and all your loved ones at this time. Just know and feel the spirit of love that surrounds you in your grief. Hugs dear girl!
Deb Perkins says
Janet I am so saddened by your loss of Harley. He will be missed but not alone as he joins other family and friends. Hugs to you girl.
Cherie LeBlanc says
My prayers and thoughts are we you Janet always.
Jane (Roberts) Shores says
Janet, I’m so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you at this time.
Frank Tooke says
Janet
I’m sorry to note Harley’s passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Sandy Rabe says
Janet, I am so sorry to hear about Harley. May God give you comfort in the wonderful memories that you have of your time together.
Sandy
Sandi and Jim Updyke says
Janet, I’m so sorry to hear of Harley’s passing. May God bless you in this most stressful time . ( Sandi Holter)xoxo
Sheryl Kransky says
Janet, I have many good thoughts of Harley and you.
My prayers and thoughts are with you. I pray God blesses you in this stressful time and shows you his love . Take your time to mourn your loss. May God’s peace be with you.
Kyle & Gail Shaw says
Janet, So sorry to read of your loss. We are thinking of you.
Tom and Darlene Hess says
Janet, so sorry for your loss. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers
Joe and Cathi Peila says
Our sincere sympathy for your loss. Joe always enjoyed working with him. We have a piece of his woodworking hanging on the wall that will always be a special memory. Thoughts and prayers.
Richard and Renae Struck Helzer says
Janet and Family – Richard and I are so sorry to learn of Harley’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care.
Shawn & Wendy Richards and Family says
Janet and Family,
So very sorry for your loss. He will be missed dearly. Thoughts and prayers for you all!!
Diane & Mike Metzenberg says
Janet,
Ours thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Donna Johnson Tebeau says
Oh Janet! I am truly sorry to hear you lost your soulmate. My heart goes out to you as you start a new journey in life. God give you strength. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. Peace to you my friend, and please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Donna
Vicki Reukauf says
Janet, I am so saddened to hear of Harley’s passing. I am traveling out of state right now, but am sending hugs and prayers to you for God’s comfort beyond all understanding that only he can give. What a blessing you two were to each other.
Kris & Troy Lippert says
We are so sorry for your loss. I am sure words cannot explain how you are feeling, but our hearts go out to you. Sending prayers your way to help keep you warm with memories, positive through the tears and and loved through your grief.
Larry and Mari Westforth says
Janet, we are so glad to have met Harley and got to spend time with both of you on our way through Miles City. He was such a sweet gentleman, gracious and kind. We are so very sorry for his sudden passing. Our love and prayers are with you.
Carol Watts says
I am so sorry Janet, you were such a cute devoted couple, and you always will be. I enjoyed knowing Harley, take care good friend, my prayers are with you.
Delores Cameron says
Janet, sorry to hear of Harley’s passing. You have many fond memories.
teresa bacon says
I am sorry to hear this, my condolences and prayers to the family and friends.
Cyndi Johnson says
Dear Janet. I am so sorry for your loss. It was so kind of you @ Harley to visit dad when he was so sick. We were so happy to see both of you. He has always held a special place in our lives .
Larry and Val says
We are so sorry for your little loss. Prayers to you and all of your family
Larry and Val Edwards
Edwards says
Not little. So sorry for your loss
Yolanda and Paul Ferguson says
So Sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family! He was a special man and will be missed!
Deb Schmeling says
Dear Janet and Family,
Sorry to hear about you loved one. Cherish the memories and hold them dear to your heart. May God wrap His loving arms around you with comfort, love and peace.
Cindy Kay Brown says
Harley will be missed by all,
Sorry for your loss Janet.
He will shine on in your life with the pets you have.
Harley was the best Lead Guitar Player around.
He made Tequila Sunrise Band, with his guitar skills .
He could make that guitar talk .
I knew Harley with the band Tequila Sunrise, he was a kind , smart, talented individual.
Steve, Lisa and Emily Quam says
Janet –
We are so sorry for the loss of your husband, Harley. You will be in our thoughts during this very difficult time. We will pray for peace, strength, and comfort for you and the rest of your family.
Jody Burman says
Janet,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Sending hugs and prayers your way during this difficult time.
Shantell TwoBears says
I just heard of Harley’s passing! My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Debi Rapstad says
Dear Janet, and all of your family – I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please remember that you are in my heart, my thoughts, my prayers. Take care of yourself during this difficult time. You are surrounded by many who love and support you.
Debi
Don & Dolly Gilbertson says
Patty,
Our thoughts, our prayers. God Bless you all.
Don and Dolly
Patricia Garback says
My dear friend Janet,
I just learned of your huge loss. What fond memories we have of sitting at your table at the All 60s Reunion and visiting with you and Harley. Thank you for that. My heart is heavy for you and I wish I could carry some of the weight of loss for you. Wish it my way, I can do it, I’m still very strong. Hope to see you sometime. Take care of yourself. You have a lot of friends.
Patti Paul Garback
Roni Sargent Gordon says
Janet–I am so sorry to hear about Harley. I’m honored to have been a part of the family growing up. He was such amazing man. Thinking of you today & always.
Peggy Gieser says
Janet and family; So sad to hear of Harley’s death. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Hope to see you soon .
Jan Olson Pearson says
Janet: There are just no words great enough to express my sorrow for you. From my experience, this was the hardest thing that ever happened to me. I am sure you might feel that way also. Just know things will get better — but very slowly. Harley will always be with you. You are in my thoughts always, Jan