Jonathan Pieter Klein

Pete was born in Basra, Iraq on September 23, 1949, to Christiaan Frederick (Fritz) Klein and Susan (Sue) Stern Klein. He lived in Iraq until he and his sister, Susan, went to public boarding school in Surrey England in 1958. His mother died in 1959 and he and his sister moved to the United States in 1960 and lived with their mother’s older sister, Henrietta Farr, and her husband, Thurland, until they each left home. His father was a Dutch citizen who later became a naturalized US citizen and lived with the family (or close by) until his death in 1973.

Pete entered the US Army in 1968 and served in the Vietnam War before being honorably discharged in 1970. He then settled in Tallahassee, Florida, where he met the love of his life Sharee Story in 1979; the two were married on June 19, 1982. Pete was a doting father to his daughters, Christy and Amanda. Family was everything to Pete and he was happiest when surrounded by his wife, Sharee, his two daughters and their families. Summer days on the patio by the pool are a favorite memory as well as his place on the porch. He was also known for making special pancakes for his daughters in the shape of the letters of their names.

Pete learned the carpenter trade soon after moving to Florida and worked on many homes in the Tallahassee area as interior finish carpenter the rest of his working life. He was especially proud of the work he did on the FSU President’s mansion and other high-end homes. He was also well known for his attention to detail on staircases and rails. He mentored his daughter Christy’s husband, Kenny, who also became a carpenter. Watching sports on TV was one of his favorite pastimes and he was glad when Amanda's husband, Frank, joined him. He loved watching his three granddaughters play.

Pete is survived by his wife, Sharee Jean Klein; daughter, Christy Fulater (Kenny and daughter, Callie); daughter, Amanda Armetta (Frank and daughters, Olivia and Scarlett) all of Tallahassee; his sister, Susan Klein (Mary Lu Harle) of Anchorage, Alaska; as well as all of his in-laws through his marriage to Sharee. He also is survived by his cousins and many friends and co-workers in the construction industry. He was preceded in death by his parents and his aunt and uncle who helped raise him.

There will be a celebration of life on November 20, 2021, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the home of Sharee Klein.