Otto "Bud" Klein

Otto “Bud” Klein Jr. 92, of Harrisville, died Saturday July 13, 2013 at Brookridge Assisted Living Facility in Marquette Michigan. He was born June 11, 1921 in Harrisville to Otto Sr. and Astrid (Moeller) Klein. Bud joined older sibling’s sister Ruth and brother Viggo while growing up on his parents Springport Dairy Farm. The Klein family was well established in the Dairy Business in Northern Michigan. Upon being married on February 13, 1913, Otto Sr. and Astrid immediately came to Northern Michigan from Denmark. Otto Sr. performed duties as the Superintendent at the Serra Della Dairy Farm (now known as Lakewood Shores Gulf Club). In 1920 Otto Sr. and Astrid established the Springport Dairy Farm. Bud spent a number of his early years working on his parents Dairy Farm; this included operating a milk truck for deliveries once he reached the age of twelve years. Upon graduation from Harrisville High School he briefly attended Michigan State University; where his studies were cut short to serve in World War II in the army infantry. Part of his WWII service time spent overseas included being stationed in Germany. Upon return to the United States he remained in the military and married Vera Mae MacNeill from Lincoln on February 8, 1947 while stationed in California. Due to a family illness he left the military in 1949 with the commission of Lieutenant to assist running the Springport Dairy Farm. He later worked as a truck driver for Steadman brothers in Harrisville before becoming the Postmaster at Harrisville Michigan. Bud was a lifelong member of Harrisville United Methodist Church where he actively participated in the adult choir and the Methodist Men’s Group for numerous years. Bud spent many years actively participating as both an adult volunteer and troop leaders for Harrisville area Cub Scout and Boy Scout Troops. One of his greatest joys was being a member of Alcona Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #6466, where he served several terms in leadership, and later became a lifetime member. Bud is survived by two daughters: Sheila (Lon) Wilkinson and Susan Klein both of Lansing, one son Kim of Marquette, two granddaughters Beth and Julie Wilkinson both from the Lansing area, sister-in-law LaJean Klein of Harrisville, along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Vera on August 14, 2009; his brother Viggo, sister Ruth and his parents. Visitation will be on Tuesday July 16, 2013 from 2 pm till 8 pm at the Gillies Funeral Home in Harrisville and continue at the Harrisville United Methodist Church Wednesday July 17, 2013 at 10 am. The funeral service will be Wednesday July 17, 2013 at 11am at the Harrisville United Methodist Church. Interment will be in Springport Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Harrisville United Methodist Church or to Hospice of Michigan Northeastern Region. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Otto "Bud" Klein, please visit our flower store.