Rev. Dr. James (Jim) W. Klein passed peacefully on October 22, 2024,
surrounded by family with songs, stories, and laughter. The cultivation of Jim’s loving
spirit began early, as he was born a triplet in Hustisford, Wisconsin, on December 30,
1954, to Rev. Hilbert and Ruth Klein. Jim maintained a special bond with his brothers
John, Jerome, and older brother David, throughout his entire life. He graduated from
Fort Atkinson Senior High School, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and
Theater Education from Carroll College, a Master of Divinity degree from the University
of Dubuque Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate in Ministry from United Theological
Seminary of the Twin Cities.
Jim wed Mary Mansavage Klein on June 9, 1979. They had three children:
Benjamin, Nicholas, and Claire. In his 40-year ministry, Jim served as pastor of St.
John’s United Church of Christ (UCC) in Three Oaks, Michigan; associate pastor of
Church of Peace and Bethel UCC in Fond du Lac County; Wesley United Methodist
Church and Salem Plankroad UCC in Sheboygan County; St John’s UCC in Manitowoc;
and two interim pastorates at St John’s UCC, Appleton, and Bethel UCC, Sheboygan
County. Jim was actively involved in state and regional UCC Conference committees
and served as a delegate to two General Synod meetings.
Jim actively incorporated theater and the arts into his ministry, founding St.
John’s Players in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, which produced annual summer plays for the
past 20 years. Jim enjoyed strength training, playing volleyball, painting watercolors,
spending time with his grandchildren (who lovingly referred to him as Tza Tza), and
returning summer after summer to Moon Beach Camp since childhood. He was a
member of the Sheboygan County Historical Society and completed many genealogy
projects.
Jim was diagnosed with a non-Hodgkins lymphoma brain tumor in May 2016 and
survived for eight years. He was diagnosed with a recurrence of cancer in July 2024.
Throughout this journey, he found support and encouragement through many friends in
Livestrong at the Sheboygan County YMCA, in addition to the staff and care teams of
Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
Jim was a kind, gentle soul who approached life with grace, plenty of silliness,
and generosity of spirit. He was a good man who will be deeply missed by everyone.
He is survived by his wife, Dr. Mary Klein, sons Dr. Benjamin Klein (Ruth
Bergman), and Nicholas Klein, daughter Rev. Claire Klein (Jacob Ristow), and
grandchildren Rowan, Ellieana, Jocelyn & Olive, and brothers David and Jerry. Jim was
preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Hilbert and Ruth (nee Markwardt) Klein, brother
Rev. Dr. John Klein, and sisters-in-law Carol (Crema) Klein and Carol (Steinke) Klein.
A celebration of life will be held Friday, November 15, with visitation from 4-6 PM,
followed by a service and ice cream social at First Congregational UCC, 310 Bluff Ave,
Sheboygan, WI 53081. Jim’s service will be livestreamed and can be viewed by visiting
the church website at www.fccsheboygan.org. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be
made to Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation, Moon Beach Camp of St. Germain,
Wisconsin, St. John’s Players of Manitowoc, or Livestrong at the Sheboygan County
YMCA.
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