Elmer W. Klein

Elmer W. Klein passed away peacefully on January 11, 2017. He was born on February 27, 1927 in St. Louis, Missouri and attended Beaumont High School. Elmer “Twinkle Toes” Klein was a standout track and field star, often competing in five events including broad jump, high jump, 220, 880 relay and his favorite, the 440. In the 1945 Missouri State track meet, he won the high jump for the second year in a row and the 440, anchored the sprint medley relay to a second place finish, and anchored the 880 relay. He also lettered two years in football and in 1944, was chosen Outstanding Back in the St. Louis area.

Elmer was inducted into the Army on June 29, 1945 and served 18 months before being honorably discharged in November 1946. He went on to letter four years in track at the University of Missouri, participating in the 220, 440, broad jump and mile relay, and in 1948, won the 440 in the Big 7 conference meet. His favorite nickname was “Horse”. While at Mizzou, he met the apple of his eye, Miss Audrey Smith, and they married in April 1951. After graduating in May 1951, Elmer and Audrey moved to Kansas City where they were blessed with two children, Bill and Ann.

In 1953, Elmer embarked in a 35 year career with GMAC and retired in 1988. Elmer was a sports enthusiast and stayed active officiating high school football (26 years), basketball (22 years), volleyball (18 years), hardball (19 years) and slow ball (16 years). In January 1989, he became a volunteer PE instructor at Somerset Elementary in Prairie Village, Kansas, and over the years his greatest joy was delighting hundreds of kids with his corny antics and jokes. After 20 years at Somerset, he followed his close friend, PE teacher Debra Simmons, to Rushton Elementary in Mission, Kansas.

A man born to dance, Elmer learned to jitterbug in high school and enjoyed many wonderful years dancing with family and friends and winning contests along the way. Elmer loved going on vacation cruises, reveling in the dancing and great food, and returned several times to his favorite location, Italy.

Elmer was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. A devout Catholic and long-time member of Cure of Ars Catholic Church, he was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Audrey S. Klein and son, William M. Klein. Elmer is survived by daughter Ann Brasher and husband Eric; daughter-in-law Karen Klein; grandchildren Elizabeth, Emily and Jennifer Klein; Andrew, Michael and Morgan Brasher; great-grandchildren Alma and Alex; and many cherished family members and friends.

The Rosary will be prayed at 6:00pm on Monday, January 16, at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO, followed by visitation until 8:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, January 17, at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9402 Mission Road, Leawood, KS, with Reverend Richard Storey officiating. A private burial will be held for the family at the Prince of Peace Mausoleum in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Lenexa, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. Go MU!