Reverend Richard Edward Klein

Reverend Richard Edward Klein was born on November 1, 1945, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, to the late Herman Klein and Arlene Klein (née Zophia). He was called home to be with the Lord on Thanksgiving Day, October 13, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family.

Richard was baptized into Christ in November 1945 at St. John Lutheran Church, North Spencer, WI, and confirmed in the same congregation on May 24, 1959.

Richard received his early education at Concordia High School and Junior College in Milwaukee, WI, followed by studies at Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, IN, and Concordia Theological Seminary, also in Fort Wayne. He served his vicarage in Trail, Fruitvale, Castlegar, and Nelson, BC, under the mentorship of the late Reverend Dr. Harold Clark. He was ordained into the Holy Ministry on July 11, 1971, at St. John Lutheran Church, North Spencer, WI.

Richard was first blessed with two children in 1968 and 1971. On June 30, 1979, he married Rosemarie Freda Rath, and together they welcomed three more children.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Arlene Klein, his sister Arla, and his brother Robert.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife Rosemarie, and by his five children: • Major Kevin Klein (Kori), Washington, DC • Timothy Klein (Kristin), Medicine Hat, AB • Warrant Officer Matthew Klein (Julieta), Petawawa, ON • Sarah Klein, Doha, Qatar • Constable Christina Klein (Jennifer), Nanaimo, BC.

He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Hayden, Seth, Bethany, Micah, Megan, Angel, and Mateo; two great-grandchildren: Theodore and Antonio; his Sister Marilyn (Allen ) Krause; and many nieces and nephews.

Over the course of his faithful service, Pastor Klein ministered to the following congregations:

• Klondike Trail Parish – Mellowdale, Vega, and Swan Hills, AB • St. Peter Lutheran, Castlegar; St. John Lutheran, Nelson; and Holy Gospel Lutheran Mission, Nakusp, BC • Immanuel Lutheran, Nipigon, and the Terrace Bay Mission, ON • St. John Lutheran, Trochu; Trinity Lutheran, Torrington; and St. Paul Lutheran, Hand Hills, AB • St. John Lutheran, Williams Lake, BC • Zion Lutheran, Plumas, MB. Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Revelstoke, BC • St. John Lutheran Germanicus, Golden Lake, ON • Vacancy ministries at Trinity Lutheran, Duncan, BC, and Grace Lutheran, Port Alberni, BC • Vacancy Shepard of the Valley Lutheran Church Salmon Arm.

On July 11, 2021, Pastor Klein celebrated 50 years of ordained ministry, having faithfully served both the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and Lutheran Church—Canada.

Beyond his pastoral duties, Pastor Klein served his communities in various capacities. He was a board member and chairman for both the Hospital Board and the Canadian Mental Health Association in Nipigon and Williams Lake. He also served as a town councillor in Nipigon. In the West Kootenays, he contributed to the Alcoholism Board, and was appointed by the Ontario Government as founding chair of the North of Superior Community Mental Health Programme—the province’s first rural and small-town regional mental health service provider. He also served as its first interim chairman.

Pastor Klein's earthly remains will be laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery, where they await the resurrection of all flesh on the Last Day.

To God Alone Be the Glory!