Steven John Klein

Steve was born on October 14, 1939 to Joe and Daisy Klein in Chicago, Illinois. His family migrated west to Las Vegas, then settled in Southern California. After graduating from Lutheran High School, in Redondo Beach and then he married his high school sweetheart, Gerry Gaines, going on to have 3 children, Janice, Wendy and Cyndi, that eventually produced him 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He moved his family to San Jose, California, where he graduated from San Jose State with a BA in Finance. He worked as a computer programmer for Hewlett Packard for many years in the Bay Area. In 1972, he and Gerry divorced, and he remained in the Bay Area where he continued to help raise his three daughters. He married Nancy Ellis in 1976. They were married for 13 years and divorced in 1989.

In 1980 he moved to Spokane, Washington, starting his own computer consulting business. He enjoyed the country life on a large piece of property where he had many animals. In 1982 his consulting business led him to Minnesota and Los Angeles. In early 1984, he settled in the Seattle area, where he eventually met and married Margie Geiger while working at Eldec in 1990. Margie had two children, Jay and Darcy, from a previous marriage that Steve embraced as his own and has found great joy and comfort watching his extended family grow to include 5 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Over the years he built several homes and a rental property in the Seattle area.

After retiring, Steve took a part time job at the Tulalip Casino, which he enjoyed very much. Over the last several years Steve struggled with several major health issues but was able to remain active and maintain a positive attitude. Steve passed away suddenly, on a beautiful, sunny October afternoon after taking several walks enjoying a wonderful fall day.

During Steve’s life he enjoyed bike riding, camping, fishing, wine making and playing cribbage. He also liked listening to music, watching old movies, reading and was a crossword puzzle enthusiast. Steve was a happy, gregarious person always willing to talk to anyone and seemly liked instantly by all who were fortunate to meet him. Steve is remembered for his huge heart, kind nature, sense of humor and enthusiasm for all the joys that life provides.

Steve was predeceased by both his parents, Joe and Daisy, his brother Pete, and sister’s Barbara and Ginnie. He is survived by his brother Joe Klein, his wife Margie Klein and his children Janice Stripling, Wendy Alvear, Cyndi Read, Jay Nelson and Darcy Gedrose along with his 14 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Steve’s wonderful loving and happy nature will live on in the hearts and minds of all those who knew and love him.