Obituary of John Martin Klein

John “Jack” Martin Klein, of Prior Lake, MN, formally of Apple Valley, MN, passed away on November 9, 2020 at the University of Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis, MN as a result of battling Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis for the past 16 months. 

A virtual memorial service will be held on November 16, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. through the Cremation Society of Minnesota.  The service can be viewed at: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/120422261.  A private family burial will follow at Lebanon Hills Cemetery in Apple Valley, MN.  An in-person gathering to celebrate Jack’s life with be held at a later date. 

Born in Adrian, MN to James and Rose (Cox) Klein on November 14, 1954, Jack attended Magnolia High School in Magnolia, MN.  He grew-up participating in baseball and basketball and was known for his signature “jump shot.”  He received an associate of arts degree in Agronomy from Worthington Community College.  Jack married Mary Faye (Nelson) Klein on September 15, 1990 in St. Louis Park, MN.  His previous marriage to Lori Lynn (Jauert) Klein resulted in two sons, Travis of Apple Valley, MN and Joshua of Gaylord, MN. 

Jack began his career in Worthington, MN working in agri-business at Holt Products and Carl’s Farm Store and transitioned into mortgage consulting in the early 2000’s.  His persistence, hard work and determination made him successful at anything he put his mind to.  Jack instilled these same qualities in his sons.

Jack and Mary raised Travis and Joshua in Apple Valley, MN.  He loved coaching, umpiring, and watching his sons participate in a variety of sports. He participated in racquetball and softball early on in life and has had a love of golf throughout his life.  Jack and Mary spent their early years camping at various state parks throughout Minnesota and eventually found their piece of paradise in Danbury, WI where they bought their first lakefront cabin which they enjoyed together for 18 years.  Jack and Mary sold their home in Apple Valley, MN in 2017 and relocated to their lake home.

In 2017, Jack and Mary welcomed their first grandchild, Thomas Klein (Travis and Megan) and in 2019, they welcomed their second grandchild, Conner Klein (Travis and Megan).  Jack loved spending time with his grandsons.  Jack especially enjoyed taking his grandsons on pontoon rides and to the Vikings training camp. 

Jack retired in 2018 and filled his days of retirement as a volunteer medical transport driver for Burnett County, WI where he transported patients to and from their medical appointments. Jack loved driving and was one of the few volunteer drivers that enjoyed the Twin Cities routes because it allowed stops at Fleet Farm and to check in on his grandsons.  He also volunteered at Faith’s Lodge, a nonprofit organization for bereaved families who lost children, in northwest Wisconsin.

Although Jack’s retirement years were far too short, Jack lived his days doing exactly what he enjoyed and surrounded himself with the ones he loved.  On November 9, 2020, Jack went to heaven doing it his own way. 

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, James and Rose Klein, sister, Therese Kodelka, brother, Robert Klein, and brother, Jay Klein, brother-in-law, John Ross and sister-in-law, Nita Klein.

Jack is survived by wife, Mary Faye (Nelson) Klein, children, Travis Klein (Megan), Joshua Klein (Roxann), siblings, Patricia Ross, Gene Klein, Kathy (Paul) Lais, and Michael (Janet) Klein, grandchildren, Thomas Klein and Conner Klein; mother–in-law, Ann Nelson, sisters-in-law Joann Klein and Kathy Nelson (Tim); brother–in- law, Paul Nelson (Mia) and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Jack to Faith’s Lodge.  Donations can be made online at: www.Faithslodge.org/donate.