lois Marion Klein

Lois Marion Klein, 91, was called to her Heavenly Home on October 23, 2014. She was born on May 4, 1923 in Chicago to the late Edith and Arnold Carlson. She was predeceased by her infant daughter, Margie, three grandchildren, Emily Klein of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Michael Klein of Franklin, New Hampshire and Kyler Klein of Ladero Ranch, California and her dear “Cuz” Leroy of St. Petersburg, Florida. Lois is survived by her brother, Glenn Carlson (Tykie) of Arlington Heights, Illinois and her six children: Ken (Susie) of Mammoth Lakes, California; Tom of Franklin, New Hampshire; Kate (Tom) Smith of Churchville, Maryland; Sally (Jerry) Smith of Tallahassee, Florida; Mary Bloomberg of Bel Air, Maryland; and Peter (Laura) of Antioch, Illinois; nine grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter and many other relatives and dear friends, to include her “Udder” children, Jane and Michael Forslund. Lois lived and raised her children in Itasca, Illinois next door to Bethany United Methodist Church where the family was very active. Other activities included all areas of Girl Scouting, which she continued long after her daughters were grown, Boy Scouts, adult and youth choirs, taking classes at the College of DuPage, pottery, gardening, knitting and sewing. She cared for her mother for ten years after her dad passed away and eventually split her time between the Chicago area and the summer cottage her parents purchased in the late fifties in Curtis, Michigan. She was a true “Yooper” and purchased another home there and made it her full time residence, splitting her time between the cottage and the recently acquired “in town” home. She loved everything about the UP and became very active at the library, the Historical Society and the Medical Clinic. She thoroughly enjoyed her wonderful Quilting Group, Book Club, her small church and many other activities. Music was always an important part of her life and she was an avid reader and collector of books and maps. Lois was very well travelled and loved to camp. She managed to make it to 49 of our 50 states, only missing Hawaii………which she claimed she really didn’t care to visit! She was blessed to visit many foreign countries including Antarctica on an Elderhostel trip, climbing in and out of zodiacs well into her eighties! Everywhere she travelled, Lois made numerous friends of all ages from every corner of the world that she faithfully kept in touch with via letters. The family would like to express their thanks for the loving care provided by Big Bend Hospice and Clare Bridge during her last several months. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to BBH at 1723 Mahan Center Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32308 or the Curtis Library at 9220 Portage Ave, Curtis, MI 49820. A celebration of Lois’s life will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, March 7 at Bethany United Methodist Church in Itasca, Illinois with interment following at Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago. A memorial service will also take place late summer in Curtis. Todd Wahlquist with Bevis Funeral Home, 850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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lois Marion Klein

May 4, 1923 - October 23, 2014