Kelly Dean Klein entered the world on July 15, 1952 in Miles City, Montana. He was born to John (Bub) and Melva (Scherer) Klein, joining older siblings Johnny, Danny, Nancy, and Kerry. He was raised in Broadus, Montana on baseball, basketball, football and high jinx. He graduated from Powder River County High School in 1970.
On a softball field, Kelly spied his future wife, Barb Gierke, from Miles City, Montana. He was the coach on the opposing team. He wooed her, they fell in love, and eloped in 1974. Their union resulted in two daughters: Kendra and Kimberly. Unfortunately, the marriage did not last. He later married Phoebe Caldwell of Douglas, Wyoming. They also divorced. His Last daughter, Tiffany, was born to Kelly and Sharon Wright of Douglas, Wyoming in 1990. Kelly changed his life and raised his young daughter, being the best parent he knew how to be. Life wasn’t always perfect, but he made the best of what he had and loved his daughters fiercely.
Kelly was a master in his profession. He was a painter/drywall professional by trade, and had people lined up waiting for him to complete work for them. He was proud of what he did, how he did it, and always did the best job he could. As he worked, his daughters often ‘helped’. Occasionally, he would have to go back to fix what they worked on, but he enjoyed teaching them the tools of his trade and having them work on projects alongside him. Some of their favorite memories include tinkering with a broken “thingamajig” or building something new, learning how to use tolls he was so familiar with. He wanted to ensure his daughters could take care of themselves if necessary and would not have to depend on anyone else to fix the broken things in life.
In his younger years, Kelly enjoyed playing golf. He loved watching his Denver Broncos play, and if you called during one of their games you could count on an earful about interrupting such an important event. A good game of Spider Solitaire on the computer was sure to brighten his day, and he relished the fact that he could clear a game on the highest setting easily, often calling his daughters to crow about it. Music was one of his passions, and strains of the Eagles, .38 Special, Journey, or Chris Daughtry could always be heard coming from speakers of his truck. His dog, Annie, was one of his great joys; she was one of his girls. Car rides resting her “little” head on dad’s shoulder, playing with her “little guy” and being spoiled with treats were a daily routine for them for them. A great night to Kelly involved “going home, taking a nap, and going over to Thelma Lou’s to watch tv.”
As a grandfather, Kelly doted on his grandchildren. He loved hearing about their accomplishments and sharing stories with them. His favorite thing to do was share activities that might not always be appropriate, but the kids delighted in them. He enjoyed talking to grandson, Chase, about a variety of topics that are generally shared by young boys, but Kelly got right down there and joined in the questionable fun.
Kelly left us on December 6, 2016 after a battle with cancer left his body weak and unable to heal. He maintained his sense of humor and no-holds-barred outlook on life until the end. We don’t know what life will be like without our dad to guide us, but know that he have us the tools and knowledge we need to face whatever comes our way. He made sure of that.
Kelly was preceded in death by his parents, Bub and Melva Klein, and his daughter Kim. He is survived by his daughters Kendra (Monty) Benner and Tiffany Klein, his grandchildren (Kendra) Chase, Annika, (Kim) Kira, Kyren, Kaidence, and (Tiffany) Kella Mae, his “puppy” Annie, his brothers Johnny, Danny (Linda), and Kerry, and his sister Nancy Hoffer, as well as numerous nieces and nephews who affectionately knew him as “Uncle Gomer”. Kelly was blessed to have had some very special friends in his life that were like family: Dianne Engel, Chris and Shelly Mangen, Lloyd Norville, Ken Johnstone, and Jerry Barrow, to name a few.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 9, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Broadus is in charge of the arrangements.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday December 9, 2016
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, MT 59317
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday December 9, 2016
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, MT 59317
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^ says
Dearest Tiffany and family. We send our prayers and sympathy to you all. I was proud to call him “Friend”. Dad and I send our condolences to you all. Stanley Damm, Stanley and Bonnie Powell. I will miss most his humor and laughter. God Bless you all.
Bonnie says
Dearest Tiffany and family. We send our prayers and sympathy to you all. I was proud to call him “Friend”. Dad and I send our condolences to you all. Stanley Damm, Stanley and Bonnie Powell. I will miss most his humor and laughter. God Bless you all.
Laura Lee Ullrich says
To all of the Kleins: Thinking of you and yours during this tough time. Kelly was one of a kind and his sense of humor and wit is unforgetable. Sending prayers for you all and our deepest sympathy. Tiffany, he was so proud of you and that sweet baby granddaughter. We just visited with him a couple of weeks ago and he was popping his buttons. He will be missed.
Linda Nybakken says
To Johnny, Danny, Nancy, Kerry & children & grandchildren…Thinking of you all as you deal with the loss of your baby brother. Condolences to each and all of you. He was the best baby, and had the first wet diaper I ever changed. Seems the ladies were too busy to change him so I asked if it would be alright if I did. It was hard work but I didn’t stick him. Suspect I was about 8 years old. Saw him only a few times as an adult and believe that he may have been the tallest of you all…and believe that he will be greatly missed….Linda & Don Nybakken
Jim Moutrey says
Johnny, Danny, Nancy, Kerry & family – will always remember Kelly as a fun loving person and he will truly be missed by all!
Bob Cook says
To the Klein family,
Like all of you, he was family. I have so many great memories.He was a very accomplished athlete,who I spent a lot of time with playing independent basketball and softball. He was always a lot of fun to spend time with,and had a great sense of humor. He was one of my Klein brothers and will be missed..
Pam& Dave Nisley says
To All of Kelly’s loved ones,
I did not know him well, but am keeping all of you in our prayers~ His life was much too short in our view! We care!!!
Dallas and Karen Gaskill says
To All of The Klein Family,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Keeping all of you in our hearts and our prayers.
T. Kelly says
May the family find comfort in loving memories, and in knowing that God is “close to those that are broken at heart; and he saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18) Our loving Creator, Jehovah God, has promised to soon “swallow up death forever…and wipe the tears from all faces” (Isaiah 25:8). With deepest sympathy.