Donald Charles Klein

Donald Klein, age 86, of Marshall, Minnesota died peacefully on Thursday, April 18, 2024. Visitation will be held from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Monday, April 22, 2024, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall. At 6:00 PM, the evening will conclude with prayer service and time to share memories.
 
Donald Charles Klein was born on January 11, 1938, in Tracy, Minnesota. He was one of nine children born to Charles and Anna (Dobias) Klein. Don grew up in Tracy where he graduated with the high school class of 1956.
 
On October 25, 1958, Don was united in marriage with Norma Goltz at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Tracy. Donald was a devoted husband and continued to be a loving caregiver to Norma when her health declined. They spent 62 years of marriage together prior to her death in 2021. The couple raised five children and made their home in Tracy and Walnut Grove, until 1970 when they moved to their farm east of Ghent. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and enjoyed spending time with his family.

Don had an incredible work ethic and was proud of his accomplishments over the years. He began his career as a farmhand, but worked tirelessly to buy his own acreage and establish a farrow to finish hog farm. He worked for several years on the farm before starting Don Klein Construction. He then went on to establish Independent Lumber of Marshall, which continues to be run by his son. In addition, he founded Klein Development, and built Klein Acres.
 
After Don retired, he spent much of his time at the Senior Center, and eventually served on the board. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking and was a prolific birdhouse builder. He was also an avid gardener. As a resident of Boulder Estates, he enjoyed staying active by organizing card games, calling bingo, and working in the little store. Don will be remembered for his creativity, resourcefulness, and willingness to help wherever needed. His sage advice, sometimes unsolicited, will be missed by everyone who knew him.
 
He is survived by his 5 children, Julie (Greg) St. Aubin of Marshall, Sherlyn (Jim Tyler) Klein of San Luis Obispo, CA, Patricia (Reza) Zarafshar of Vienna, VA, Michael (Jenifer) Klein of Marshall, Susie (Goh Uemura) Klein of Nara, Japan; 11 grandchildren, Caroline, Amanda, Molli, Merry, Janna, Alex, Khadijeh, Aasiyeh, Mariam, Shelby, Luke; 18 great-grandchildren (and another on the way);  5 siblings, Helen DeSleer, Richard Klein, Jerry Klein, John Klein, Jim Klein; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
 
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Anna, his wife Norma, grandson Elias Singer, and 3 siblings.