Franklin Klein

Frank Klein, 89 of East Leroy, passed away on December 23, 2022. Frank was born on July 21, 1933, in Athens, Michigan to Christof and Wilhelmina (Baurle) Klein, the youngest of seven children. His first years of school were spent at the old Indian School north of Athens. He graduated from Athens High School in 1955. Frank married Neisha Anne Kelley on June 5, 1955, and they had four children together and were married for 67 years. Frank worked at Eaton Corporation, then owned and operated a gas station in Athens, worked as a bus mechanic for Athens Schools, then went back to Eaton Corporation for 22 years until they closed. He then became a bus driver for Athens Area Schools until his retirement in 1995. Frank was a man known for his honesty and congeniality. Paying his debts was the most important thing to him. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, three brothers, and a son Jefferey S. Klein.

Neisha Anne Klein, 85, of East Leroy, passed away on April 4, 2023. Neisha was born February 1, 1938, to Francis B. and Florence H. (Martin) Kelley, the oldest of three children. Her first years of school were spent at the old Red School in East Leroy. She graduated from Athens High school in 1955. Neisha went to college in 1968 and became a schoolteacher. She spent one year at Ann J. Kellogg Elementary, then 26 years at Athens Area Schools, where she taught Second grade, then special learning until her retirement in 1996. Neisha took voice lessons as a young girl and had a beautiful singing voice, which she shared at countless events from weddings to funerals and led the church congregation. She was also in many musicals in her young adulthood days. Neisha was preceded in death by both parents, a brother Thomas R. Kelley, and a son Jefferey S. Klein. She is survived by a sister Kathleen (Kelley) Jenkins.

Both are survived by three sons James D. (Maryanne) Klein, Joel E. (Carrie) Klein, and Jon F. Klein, eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Frank and Neisha traveled extensively, many times taking Neisha’s mother or their grandchildren with them. They enjoyed their small farm and animals where Neisha was an avid gardener. They carried on the tradition of Sunday dinners after church every week, in which her cooking was enjoyed by all.

A service for Neisha will be held Sunday, April 16, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. at East Leroy Community Church, 4502 L. Drive S, East Leroy, MI. Frank had wished for no service. A visitation and light meal will follow from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. for both Frank and Neisha. There will be a private graveside service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Thomas R. Kelley Memorial Scholarship Fund. Arrangements were entrusted to Richard A. Henry Funeral Home and Cremation Services. www.henryfuneralhome.org