Robert Klein

Robert Klein, 87 years old, passed away peacefully on 12/26/23 at Butterworth Hospital following a brief period of hospice care subsequent to a prolonged period of medical decline. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Mary Louise (Smaglinski) Klein, two children Kevin and Denise Klein, their spouses, Karen and Jan, two grandchildren, David Klein and Christine (Klein) Janicke, their spouses Renae and Nicholas, and 5 great grandchildren.

Bob, born on March13, 1935, was a graduate of Catholic central High School, Class of 1953, and maintained lifelong contact with those friends. He joined the Navy after graduation and married his high school sweetheart on May 5, 1956. He started his work career as a Tool and Die maker but eventually advanced his education to include engineering. From that prospectus, he progressed to special machine design, development, and construction. He started his own company, D-M Automation, Inc. with partners but was the driving force behind the design and development of special machinery that was primarily directed toward the furniture industry. He held two patents on uniquely designed machinery and was an early proponent and developer of CNC controlled equipment.

He enjoyed restoring and maintaining antique cars, was a longstanding member of local car clubs and served as a board member and president of those organizations. He enjoyed travel, especially to Hawaii, and relished the many winters he spent in the Florida Keys with Marylou and their many friends and acquaintances. He loved a joke and was fond of pranks, both given and received. He will be missed by those people he loved.