Michael Klein

Michael J. Klein, 86, born on 6/18/1921 in Maplewood, MO to Oliver Vernon Klein and Mary Eduardine Sullivan Klein went to his heavenly home on the wings of the angels on Friday, May 16, 2008. Enlisting in the Marine Corps in February 1942, he proudly served his country as paratrooper in the South Pacific during WWII. He also worked extensively with the Navaho Code-talkers. Before going overseas, he returned to St. Louis to marry his sweetheart, Mary Lucille Borders, on November 14, 1942. Returning home to his young bride, he enrolled at St Louis University and earned his Commerce & Finance Degree, serving as President of the Class of 1950. After 10 years of marriage, they were blessed with the birth of the first, of their four children. They spent several years in Texas, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin, before deciding to settle in Gulf Breeze in Nov of 1963. Mike was active in St Ann's Catholic Church as a Reader, Eucharistic Minister, Usher, and a 4th degree Knight in the Knight's of Columbus. He was one of the founding members of the Gulf Breeze Inter-Faith Council. He served as President of the St Michael's School PTA and tirelessly supported the young athletes in his community. He is survived by his wife of 65 years: Mary L. (Ceil) Klein. His children, Julie (George) Emanuel, Patti (Tom Pansa) Dock, Michael (Marianna) Klein and Kathleen Klein. Eight grandchildren, Robert (Kim Ales) Emanuel, Teresa Emanuel, Sandra Emanuel, Heather Shoaf, Travis (Kim) Shoaf, Rebecca (Noel) Gill, Emma Klein, and Michaela Klein. Six great-grandchildren, Natalie Ales, Kaden Castillo, Christopher Shoaf, Tristen Castillo, Aiden Gill, and Morgan Shoaf. Two brothers-in-law, Edward (Fran) Borders and John (Mickey) Borders, along with numerous nieces and nephews. His parents, VO and Mary E Klein, his sister and brother-in-law, Inez and Tom Fitzgerald, and his father and mother-in-law, Ira and Alice Borders, preceded him in death. He will be deeply missed and will live forever in the hearts of all his loved ones. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Emerald Coast Hospice or the St Ann's Church Building Fund. The Rosary will be recited at 9:30am Tuesday, May 20, 2008 with the Mass to follow at 10:00am at St. Ann Catholic Church in Gulf Breeze. A reception will follow services in the Parish Hall. The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the nurses and staff at Gulf Breeze Hospital, the staff of Amedisys Home HealthCare, & the nurses with Emerald Coast Hospice for the care and dedication they gave to Mike during his final months.

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