James "Jim" Klein

James P. “Jim” Klein, age 83 of Melrose, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at his home in Melrose, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, December 15 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating. Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church.

James Phillip Klein was born on August 11, 1939, in St. Paul, Minnesota. He spent his life in a variety of placements until moving into his permanent home, Quality Care Homes, in January of 1996. He started working at Wacosa and worked there until February of 2019 when he retired.

Jim loved sitting by the water and spending time with his “family” at home.

Survivors include his family at Quality Care Homes, Dave and Tonia Pyka and family, Michael and Karen Zirbes and family, Kevin and Sarah Athmann and family, and Denise Mikkelson and family; his roommates, Mark Welle and Steven Krick who he lived with since 1996 and new roommate and friend, Joe Mueller; kids that were like his grandkids, Brianna Pyka, Daniella Pyka, Kylie Athmann, and Peyton Athmann; many past caregivers including Marion Wieling and Brenda Mueller; and many other friends at Wacosa.

Jim was preceded in death by his good friend and roommate for over 20 years, Maryann Steil on October 3, 2021.

Special thanks to CentraCare Hospice for their compassionate end of life care they gave Jim.