Wesley Klein

WASHINGTON--Wesley W. Klein, 84, of Washington, died at 1:30 AM, on Monday, April 7, 2008 at Snyder Village in Metamora. He was born on October 19, 1923 in Metamora to Michael and Sophia Knoblauch Klein. He married Dolores L. Noll on June 8, 1946 in Metamora; she survives. Also surviving are 2 sons, Terry (Joyce) Klein and Rick (Danette) Klein both of Washington; 3 grandchildren, Dawn (Todd) Schmitgal, Sean (Marguerita) Klein and Natasha Jordan; 4 great grandchildren, Thorne and Gage Lee Schmitgal, and Hailey and Chadd Jordan; and 1 sister, Waverley Thomas of Indianapolis, IN. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Harlan and Cletus Klein, 3 sisters, Thelma Zoss, Shirley Whittington, and Roberta Stickelmaier. Wesley served in the Army during World War II in the 27th New York Infantry Division. During his service from Feb. 15, 1943 to Nov, 15, 1945, he received 3 Bronze Battle Stars and a Citation for Heroic Achievement. He was a driver for Supreme Dairy and Minonk Dairy during the 1940’s and 1950’s, and then worked for Sprinkmann & Sons Insulation in Peoria as a driver for over 20 years.He owned and operated Klein’s Cycle in Washington. He last worked as a custodian for Washington Community High School for 16 years. He received the WCHS Pride of the Panthers Award on September 21, 2001. His hobbies included woodworking, coin collecting, and classic cars. He also enjoyed going to work every day and had a great love for his family. Wesley was a member of the VFW Post #9016 in Washington and the American Legion in Metamora, the Knights of Columbus, Fr. John Menco Council #6707 in Washington, and the Teamsters Local #627. He was also a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington, where a funeral mass will be held at 11 AM on Friday, April 11, 2008. Fr. Joseph P. Donton will officiate. Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Thursday, April 10 at Deiters Funeral Home in Washington. Additional visitation will be 1 hour prior to services Friday at the church. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Metamora, where military rites will be accorded by the Tazewell Military Rites Team. Memorials may be made to the Wesley Klein Memorial for the WCHS AthleticDepartment. To send condolences online, please visit www.deitersfuneralhome.com

Wesley Klein

October 19, 1923 - April 7, 2008