For Wheaton woman, family came first

Mary Klein, 99, of Wheaton died Monday. Here, she's surrounded by her loving children, Jerry Klein, left, Mary Ann Wesner and Joanne Klein.

Mary Klein's family members describe her as an honest, loving, accepting woman who also was a great talker.

"She always had stories and had a good sense of humor," said her youngest daughter Mary Ann Wesner.

Mrs. Klein, 99, passed away Monday at home of old age while surrounded by her whole family.

"She died at home, so I think that made her happy," Wesner said.

Mrs. Klein was born in Jefferson City, Mo., grew up in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and has lived in Wheaton for about the last 70 years.

She and her husband, Bernard, owned and operated Wheaton Hardware on Hale for 40 years. Mrs. Klein also was a member of the Fire Department Auxiliary in Wheaton, along with a 64-year member of the Catholic Daughters of St. Michael's Church in Wheaton.

Terry Wesner, Mrs. Klein's son-in-law, said Mrs. Klein always humbly said she didn't deserve to have such a wonderful family. But in his view, her family was blessed by having such a caring mother who was always there with special words and a warm smile.

He said family was the most important thing in her life.

"I certainly was as much her son as anybody else," Wesner said.

He also recalled a time when Mrs. Klein was about 90 and got locked out of her house. No worries -- she just climbed in through her kitchen window.

"She just was not going to be deterred by things," Wesner said.

JoAnne Klein said her mother was always supportive of other people and always willing to help.

"She was so kind, and thoughtful, and caring and loving," she said. "I'm going to miss caring for her and loving her."

Mary Ann Wesner will miss her mom, too.

"I'm going to miss being able to give her a hug," she said.

Mrs. Klein is survived by three children, Joanne Klein of Wheaton, Jerry and Edna Klein of Wheaton and Mary Ann and Terry Wesner of Chelsea, Mich. She's also survived by five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years.

Services will begin with prayers at 11:30 a.m. Friday at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St. in Wheaton, and proceed to St. Michael Catholic Church at 310 S. Wheaton Ave. in Wheaton for Mass at noon. Interment will follow in St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Winfield. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at her home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the Mary Klein Memorial Fund, care of 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL. 60187.