Jean Klein
Alton |
Jean S. Klein, age 85, of Alton, passed away at 9:25 am, Tuesday, February 3, 2015, at Fountain View Manor Memory Care in Granite City.
She was born December 31, 1929, in Cairo, IL, the daughter of Elmer J. “Si” and Gertrude (Waldschmidt) Seizinger.
She married William Russell “Bill” Klein of Cairo on August 13, 1951, at St. Joseph’s Church in Cairo, Illinois. Bill preceded her in death on July 8, 1997.
Jean is survived by two sons, Dr. Russell Edward and wife, Rebecca (Rives) Klein of Du Quoin, and Robert Stephen “Steve” and wife, Amy (Rathgeb) Klein of Godfrey; one daughter, Elizabeth “Lisa” Anne and husband, Edward Emblom of Alexandria, Virginia; grandchildren, Drs. Erica and Brian Waldau of Fox Point, Wisconsin, Dr. Jeffrey and Katelyn Klein of Madison, Wisconsin, Douglas Klein of Godfrey, Neal Klein of St. Louis, Missouri, Allyson and Kirsten Emblom of Alexandria, Virginia; great-grandchildren, August and Arlo Waldau, Fallon and Estelle Klein; two younger brothers, Donald E. and wife, Shirley Seizinger of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and Howard W. and wife, Charlene Seizinger of Austin, Texas; brothers-in-law, Karl and wife, Barbara Klein of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and Howard and wife, Susan Klein of Austin, Texas; two sisters-in-law, Rose Klein of Cairo, Illinois, and Peggy Klein, also of Cairo; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Bill; she is preceded in death by brothers-in-law, George, John, and Edwin; and sisters-in-law, Marian and Karolyn.
Jean was a graduate of Cairo High School and worked at the Cairo Telephone Company. Jean lived briefly in Carbondale, and then later moved to Alton. Jean was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, delivered sermons on tape and Meals On Wheels to shut-ins, and volunteered with the St. Anthony’s Hospital Hospice and Cancer Survivor programs.
Jean started college as a grandmother, graduating in 1981 from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville with a Bachelors of Nursing Degree. She worked as a nurse with the Visiting Nurses Assoc. in Alton, Boyd Memorial Hospital in Carrollton, and VIP Manor in Wood River. Jean was always interested in family history and devoted her later years to researching both the Klein and Seizinger families and was a resource to genealogy authors as a result of her work.
Jean was very proud of her Upper Alton home and yard, tirelessly keeping it in full bloom. She was also particularly proud of her children and grandchildren, and had the opportunity to hold her first great-grandchild. She had a kind heart and was giving to anyone in need whether by donation, a caring hand to hold, or a ride to church.
Visitation will be held Saturday, February 7, at 2:00 pm, with a service following at 4:00 pm at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home at 2521 Edwards St., Alton.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, St. Louis Chapter at www.alz.org., Crisis Food Center, or to Hospice of Southern Illinois, 305 South Illinois Street, Belleville, IL 62220.
Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home of Alton is in charge of arrangements.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
