Matthew J. Klein, 83, of West Bend, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2009, at Kathy Hospice in the town of Polk.

He was born Aug. 28, 1925, in Barton to the late Mathias and Ethel (nee Wagner) Klein. Matthew attended St. Mary’s grade school and graduated from West Bend High School in the class of 1943. Following his high school graduation, Matthew served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theater for three years. He was united in marriage to Eunice Sherman on May 1, 1948, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Allenton. Matthew worked at the former Line Material Company in West Bend until he retired. He was a lifetime member of St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Church, and a member of the St. Joseph’s Society and the Adrian Neubauer Post No. 8658 VFW in Barton. Matthew enjoyed all sports, especially the West Bend Lithia’s baseball team and football. He loved his little pet "Abbie," was a loving husband for over 60 years, a dedicated father and a devoted grandfather to his three granddaughters.

Matthew is survived by his wife, Eunice; five children, James Klein of West Bend, Mary Klein of West Bend, George (Lynne) Klein of Woodstock, Ga., William (Pamela) Klein of Appomattox, Va., and Margaret (Paul) Wagner of Newburg; three grandchildren , Trisha (Tim Obert) Klein, Tori and Livia Klein; one sister, Margie Willkom of Rice Lake; one brother-in-law, George (Radine) Sherman; two sisters-in-law, Louise (Richard) Precourt and JoAnn Sherman; niece and nephew, Mary Jean and Matthew Bradford; two cousins, Jerome Klein and Helen Wagner; three great-nieces, Hannah, Elizabeth and Nicole Bradford; many other dear relatives and close friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, John and Cordelia Sherman; two brothers-in-law, Leon Sherman and William Willkom; and two sisters-in-law, Geraldine (Robert) Karnitz and Margret (Merrill) Kietzer.

In remembrance of Matthew, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 16, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Church. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of mass. Inurnment will take place this summer in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Memorials to St. Mary’s church and school are appreciated. Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service is assisting the family.

Online guest book and condolences may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.