Robert John Klein
Robert John Klein
Cedar Rapids
Robert John Klein, 72, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics with his wife, Gretchen, and sister, Donna, present.
Services: 3 p.m. Friday March 17, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories by the Rev. David King. A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday March 16, at Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom. Burial Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery with full military honors.
Robert was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on March 15, 1950, the son of John and Goldie (Houck) Klein. He attended Thomas Jefferson High School and graduated in 1968. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from October 1968 to October 1971. He finished his Reserves assignment in 1974. He completed a tour in Vietnam and was sent to Germany. He then was compassionately reassigned to the Rock Island Arsenal.
On November 27, 1981, he married Gretchen Flender of Cedar Rapids. Robert was employed by Quaker Oats on July 16, 1979, and worked there for 36 years. Bob enjoyed being outdoors and going fishing, camping and was an avid golfer. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tease people. He loved being with the grandchildren and pleased they all have joined him on the golf course. During winter months he like to watch reruns; favorites being The West Wing, Johnny Carson and the History Channel.
He is survived by his wife, Gretchen, of 42 years; his stepchildren, Marcia (Lonnie) Triplett of Pittsfield, Ill., Michael (Angela) Flender of Hiawatha and Jeremy (Julie Kaplan) Flender of Cedar Rapids; two sisters, Sue (Fred) Fetterolf and Donna (Will) Wilford; four grandchildren, Jessica (Sam), Andrew, Chloe and Zachary; two great-grandchildren, Avelynne and Olivia; along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Goldie Klein; and sister, Karen Tapper.
Please leave a message for the family on our webpage www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the American Heart Association or Alzheimer’s Association.