William "Bill" Herbert Klein

William Herbert Klein, 84, of Portage, MI, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, April 30, 2023. He was born February 9,1939 in Pittsburgh, PA to Sylvester and Caroline Klein. Bill was the youngest of three boys. He moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1966 and worked at General Motors in his specialties of pattern making and tool & die for over 30 years. Bill’s talent for woodworking and fixing just about anything was a gift to his family and others. He married Marlene Byrne on May 20, 1980. 

Bill, affectionately known as “BZ”, began his true relationship with Jesus in his 50’s. His faith sustained him throughout many years and he tried to share it with as many people as possible. He was a well-respected husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, church member and friend. He served as a church deacon and Hospice volunteer for a number of years. Bill enjoyed an abundance of recreational activities like downhill skiing, golf, cycling, roller blading, boating and traveling with his wife, Marlene. 

He was no stranger to hard work, which was evidenced by the beauty of his yard and fruitful garden in spite of his ongoing battle with the Canada geese. Bill was a lover of fitness, family, faith and snacks. His undying commitment to his faith and family, his strive for excellence in everything in which he was involved and his infectious laugh will be remembered by all who knew him. 

He was comforted by his faith and was surrounded with love by his family and dear friends in his last days. He was well-cared for by his loving wife and children, by Centrica Hospice Care and his faithful friends and neighbors. We find peace that He is made whole in his eternal home where we will see him again.

Bill chose to donate his body for research to Western Michigan University Medical School. He is preceded by his parents Sylvester and Caroline Klein, and his brothers Hank and Roy Klein. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Marlene; his children, Kenny (Christine) Klein and Lauri Klein, his step-children Kyle (Cate) Emmerich and Kirsten (Phil) Poel; his grandchildren, Justin (Jordan), Megan, Gretchen (Zach), Molly, Fisher, Ethan, and Charlie, his great grandchild, Quintin and his brother-in-law Terry (Nadine). 

In accordance with the family’s wishes a Memorial Service for Bill on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at Avink, McCowen, & Secord Funeral Home, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002 with a time for visiting beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Richard Adolph officiating. There will be a time of food and fellowship immediately following the service. 

Memorial contributions made in Bill’s name may be directed to Centrica Hospice, www.Centricacare.org/giving/ or Alternatives of Kalamazoo, www.alternativescc.org. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Bill’s guestbook and/or share a memory with his family.

The Klein family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002. 269-344-5600.