Robert “Bob” Klein, of St. Peters, Missouri, was born in St. Louis, Missouri, to Emil and Clara (Beckerkord) Klein. As an infant, his family moved to Wausau, Wisconsin, where they lived until he was about eight years old before returning to the St. Louis area. Bob was raised in a loving home alongside his three sisters, surrounded by joy, laughter, and lasting memories. The family’s early years were filled with music and the swing dancing of the 1950s—interests that remained a lifelong source of happiness and connection.
Bob graduated from Bishop Du Bourg Parish High School in 1962, and went on to earn his Bachelors Degree from Southern Illinois University in 1967. After graduation, Bob was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served for two years during the Vietnam War, working in a meteorology unit while stationed in Germany. His service reflected his humility, dedication, and willingness to serve others.
Upon returning home, Bob built a successful career with McDonnell Douglas aerospace manufacturing corporation in the purchasing department, where he was known for his strong work ethic and ability to identify meaningful cost-saving solutions. Then he explored real estate before discovering his true calling as an insurance agent with the Knights of Columbus, where he served for 35 years. Through this work, Bob not only achieved professional success but also deepened his faith and commitment to helping others. He served as Pro-Life Chairman for 30 years and earned the honorary distinction of Fourth Degree Knight. His success with the Knights of Columbus allowed him to travel across the United States and abroad, forming lifelong friendships along the way.
Bob remained true to himself in all things—his outlook on life, his faith, his love of music, and his spirited conversations. He greeted everyone warmly, held doors open, and made people feel included. He especially enjoyed dancing on a wooden dance floor, singing with enthusiasm, admiring classic cars, and playing canasta with friends. Bob was an active member of the West County Swing Dance Club for over 30 years. He celebrated several milestone accomplishments as a lifetime member of Weight Watchers and loved singing karaoke and hosting gatherings in his home. He enjoyed a wide variety of music, and kept his mind sharp with quickly quoting the song title and music artist within the first few music notes. Bob had a gift for making others feel welcome and at ease, or connecting through a clever joke or his warm, approachable smile.
Above all, Bob was a man of deep and abiding faith. A devoted Catholic, he prayed the rosary daily and placed his trust in God through every season of life. He lived with quiet strength, forgiveness, and grace, striving to follow the example of Jesus even in difficult times. His life was a testament to perseverance, compassion, and unwavering belief.
At age 81, in the final eight months of his life, Bob relocated to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to be closer to family. He quickly became a familiar and beloved presence in his apartment community — residents say that everyone knew when Bob entered a room. He joined the Sioux Falls Social Singles group, where he and Marilyn continued to enjoy dinners, line and swing dancing, and listening to live music—some of his favorite pastimes.
After a fall in his apartment, which resulted in a broken hip and several medical complications, Bob entered into eternal rest on April 21, 2026. He passed peacefully embraced in the loving arms of Jesus, without pain or fear, with his younger sister Marilyn at his side.
Bob is survived by his sister and lifelong best friend, Marilyn Steadman of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; niece Lisa (Kelly) Kaylee and Logan Van Duyn of Crooks, SD; niece Becky (Mike) Wagner of Sioux Falls; niece Gail (John) Lehman of Carrollton, Texas; nephew Ken (Monique) Asleson of Frisco, Texas; nephew David (Lisa) Schulte of Granite City, Illinois; nephew Bryan (Mandie) Schulte of Mitchell, Illinois; niece Carol (Louie) Bistro of Coffeen, Illinois; and niece Linda (Cecil) Uphold of Plainview, Illinois; along with many beloved extended family members, and friends who will carry his memory forward with love. The family extends special gratitude to his dear friend Linda Tippet, as well as Dale and Wilma Gard, for their unwavering friendship. Bob was richly blessed with many close-knit groups of friends, though shared hobbies brought joy, laughter, and companionship throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Clara; his sisters, Jacqueline Klein Schulte and Geraldine Klein Asleson; and many cherished friends and relatives.
Funeral services will be held in St. Louis, Missouri. Visitation will take place on Thursday, April 30, at Kutis Funeral Home, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family visitation from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Friday, May 1, at the Shrine of St. Joseph, where their grandparents were married, and many of the ancestors regularly attended church. Visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by a Catholic Mass from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The Shrine of St. Joseph will livestream the funeral mass on their website (recording available on You Tube afterwards). Burial with military honors will follow at St. Peter and Paul Cemetery in St. Louis. An additional Celebration of Life reception will be on Saturday, May 09, 2026 from 2:00-4:00 at the Inn of Westport, Sioux Falls, SD.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the National Honor Flight Network, so that other veterans may be recognized and appreciated for their loyalty and dedication.