OBITUARY FOR WILLIAM JOSEPH KLEIN

William Joseph “Bill” Klein, 89, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 8, 2025, at Mercy Hospital. A lifelong St. Louisan, Bill built his entire life, family, and community in the place he always called home.

Bill was born on March 8, 1936, in St. Louis to John and Mary Klein. He grew up in the city with his brothers, John and Richard, spending his early years outside, exploring, and sharing everyday adventures with his brothers, experiences that shaped his steady, easygoing nature.

In his early adulthood, Bill served in the Coast Guard Reserve. After a few different jobs, he found his long-term career at Monsanto, where he spent roughly 30 years before retiring. The work fit him well, especially given his natural knack for fixing and understanding things.

The center of Bill’s world was his family. He married Patricia on August 14, 1974, and together they built more than five decades of partnership, devotion, and everyday love. Bill was calm, steady, and endlessly kind, someone who gave love freely and without fanfare. “And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make,” and Bill lived that line fully.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary; his brother John; and his beloved wife, Patty. He is survived by his brother Richard and sisters-in-laws Barbara Lee and Arline; and his children and their families:
• Mark and Lora, and their son Cole
• MaryBeth, and her children Carter, Campbell, Cabot, and Curtis
• Michael and Molly, and their children Juliette, Bennett, and Lleyton

Bill found joy in the simple things, gardening, mowing the lawn, home projects, a good police drama, and the Beatles playing in the background. He was down to earth, humble, and appreciative of his life. The impact he left on the people who knew him was immense. As the saying goes, “A life well lived leaves gentle footprints on the hearts of those who knew him.” Bill’s footprints weren’t gentle, they were unmistakable and deeply felt.

A service to honor Bill will be held at a later date, more details to come.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org in honor of his wife Patty.