Joan L. Klein

Joan L. Klein, age 72, of Cassville, died on Sunday, January 2, 2011, after a courageous battle with cancer at her home. She was born on March 27, 1938, in Prairie du Chien, the daughter of William and Mary (Harwood) Dechow. Joan attended Elwell Grade School in Waterloo Township and graduated from Cassville High School in 1955. On September 8, 1962, Joan was united in marriage to Lawrence A. Klein at her parents home in Waterloo Township. She worked in the dietary department for over thirty years at Orchard Manor Nursing Home. Joan was a member of the United Methodist Church in Beetown and Cassville. She enjoyed cooking, baking, camping, fishing, reading, swimming and going out for Chinese food and garage sales.

Survivors include her husband, Lawrence A. Klein, Cassville; children: Vicki (Robert) Gengler, Lancaster; Michelle (Don) Bennett, Lancaster; Dave (Rochelle) Klein, Athens, WI; Shawn (Jen) Klein, Denver, CO; Annette Klein, Cassville; Dan (Michelle) Klein, Bloomington; eleven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; one brother, Calvin (Lois) Dechow, Cassville; mother-in-law, Esther Klein, Cassville; nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by an infant twin sister, a grandson, Andrew Bahl and a brother, Robert Dechow.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, January 6, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at the Lancaster United Methodist Church with Reverend Mary Ann Floerke officiating. Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends called on Wednesday, January 5, 2011, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home, Lancaster. Friends also called on Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. In lieu of plants and flowers, a Joan L. Klein Memorial Fund has been established.