Joseph John Klein

"Jay", "JJK", Jay's Sales & Service

Joseph John Klein, lifetime resident of Fredonia, Wisconsin, born July 4, 1931, passed away peacefully Thursday, September 18, 2025, in the comfort of care at Harbor Campus, Port Washington, WI. Joe was 94 years old.

Drafted into military service in 1951, Joe served alongside his fellow Marines during the Korean War and was honorably discharged December 1953.

While serving his country, Joe received training in electronics which he, in turn, used to launch his own business. Jay's Sales & Service was established in 1960 and was an honorable part of the growing community for over 35 years until Joe "officially" retired in 1996.

He married Marilyn Clara Paulus in November 1957. Together Joe and Marilyn raised a family of four (4) daughters and one (1) son in a loving home built on North Wilson Street where Joe continued to live until the age of 93.

Joe loved history. Much of his life and the lives of his children/grandchildren are narrated through an extensive collection of slides and photographs. He had "vim, vigor and vitality". Among the many special things about Joe was his resourcefulness; Joe could build or customize just about anything using nothing more than some scrap materials and tools he had on hand. The family tree house, homemade skating rink in the backyard, custom frames for our "artwork", creative landscaping with old railroad ties - all testaments to his skills. He would refurbish things most people would cast aside as junk and watch them last another 25+ years. His thought process was always, "It's got plenty of life left" or "I can fix that".

Joe was committed to his community and knew just about everyone. He was always willing to lend a hand. A proud member of the American Legion Post 410 for over 70 years, a volunteer firefighter, village board member, active member of Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church and a compassionate caretaker for his rental properties in downtown Fredonia, he had the privilege of participating in the Honor Flight Program on October 11, 2014.

Joe is preceded in death by his son, Cpl. James Joseph Klein (1983), his wife Marilyn C. Klein (Paulus; 2001), and special friend Elaine Brunner (2025). He is survived by his daughters, Judie Klein (Doug Duitman), Bonnie Klein (Nic Burmesch), Mary Klein (Kurt Nelson), AJ (Amy Jo) Klein (Kevin Kleinosowski), and six grandchildren: Michael Burmesch, Brian Burmesch, Andy Burmesch, Sarah Burmesch, Reid Nelson and Ryan Nelson.

A celebration of Joes' wonderful life will be held at Holy Cross Chapel in Belgium, WI, Thursday, September 25, 2025; visitation from 4:00-6:00 p.m. with a mass to follow at 6p.m.. Burial will take place via a private ceremony at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery the morning of Friday, September 26, 2025, where his body will be laid to rest alongside his wife and son.

Thank you for taking time with us to reflect on the wonderful impact Joe's life had on all who knew him.

God bless you.