Robert Michael Klein Sr.

Robert Michael Klein Sr. was born November 18, 1936 on the family farm near Hammond, WI., and passed to his rest on February 16, 2022. He was one of twelve children born to Ted and Ann (Korody) Klein. He attended grade school near his home. The family later moved to Oregon where Bob finished his education. Bob then joined his brother in Peterburg, Alaska doing construction and painting for six years until he was drafted into the Army in 1960. Basic Training at Fort Sam Houston, TX was home for the next six months until he was shipped off to Germany. During this time Roberts brother Ted told his new sister in law, Norma Krogstad to write to his brother in Germany. After corresponding for nearly two years  Robert and Norma were married on February 24, 1963. He took his new bride back to Alaska for eight months working construction again and Salmon fishing for Queen Fisheries. They later moved to a farm near Callaway, MN where their two sons were born. The family moved to Fremont, CA, where Robert worked for Giant Tree Movers. During this time their daughter Valerie was born. Once again the family returned to the Detroit Lakes area in 1971 and settled on an eighty acre hobby farm. Along with the farm, Robert worked on construction and RV Sales. In 1977 Robert and Norma started a family business “Market Basket Natural Foods Store and Café.” They operated that for ten years before selling it. Robert also drove school bus for twenty nine years. He retired in 1998.

Robert always put his family first. He loved his wife, children, and grandchildren very much. Tractors were also a main interest of his, from big ones to little models on the shelf. He also enjoyed gardening and going to Rollag. One time when he wasn’t feeling good, we were not sure if he should go to Rollag, he answer was, “I’m going if I have to crawl.”

He is survived by his wife, Norma; two sons, Robert Jr. (Becky) Klein, of West Fargo, ND; and Eric (Wendy) Klein, of Detroit Lakes, MN; one daughter, Valerie Teiken, of Detroit Lakes, MN; eight grandchildren; one brother, Alvin Klein; two sisters, Marty Carstenson and Teresa Young; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one granddaughter, Marlee Jean Teiken; one grandson, Robert Roy Klein; four brothers and four sisters.

Services will be on Monday February 21, 2022; 2:00 p.m. at the Detroit Lakes Seventh Day Adventist Church. Visitation will be on Sunday from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm at the West-Kjos Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes, with a prayer service at 4:00 pm. Interment will be in the spring at the Seventh Day Adventist Cemetery, rural Detroit Lakes, MN.