RAPHAEL KLEIN, age 96, of Worthington, died Saturday, January 14, 2012, at the Parkview Manor Nursing Home in Ellsworth. He was the oldest and last surviving member of his family. He was born December 27, 1915, in Little Rock Township, rural Adrian, to Fred and Laura (Suedbeck) Klein. He grew up on a farm six miles south of Adrian with his two brothers, Edward & Richard, and two sisters, Elsie & Ann. After Raphael finish school at St. Adrian, he worked on the family farm.
Raphael married Esther Loonan on November 19, 1941, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Lismore. The couple farmed near Adrian and raised their four children, Edward, Rosanne, Elaine & Paul. When Raphael retired, the couple moved to Worthington in 1979. Even after retirement, Raphael loved to spend time on the farm. In addition, he left a priceless legacy to the family by keeping a daily diary for seventy one years. He enjoyed ballroom music & dancing.
He was a former member of St. Adrian Catholic Church; and a current member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Worthington. He was an honorary life member of the St. Adrian Knights of Columbus.
Raphael is survived by his wife, Esther Klein, Worthington; four children, Edward (Kathy) Klein, Inver Grove Heights; Rosanne (Ron) Heitkamp, Adrian; Elaine (the Rev. Richard Kukowski) Klein, Silver Spring, MD; and Paul (Jolene) Klein, Sioux Falls, SD; fifteen grandchildren; twenty three great grandchildren; and one great great grandson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Fr. Edward & Richard Klein; and two sisters, Elsie Hensen & Ann Tracy.
Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 am Tuesday at St. Mary Catholic Church, in Worthington. Funeral will be 11 am Tuesday at St. Mary Catholic Church officiated by Fr. James Calahan. Burial will be 1:30 pm Tuesday at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Lismore.
Dingmann Funeral Home, in Worthington, is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials are preferred to the Parkview Manor Nursing Home in Ellsworth.
To view an online obituary or sign a virtual register book, please visit www.dingmannandsons.com

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