Carl Henry Klein

Carl Henry Klein Carl Henry Klein, 88, of Austin, died on Friday, June 13, 2008. He was born October 6, 1919 in Seton Hospital, Austin, Texas. Carl was baptized, confirmed, and married at St. Martin's Lutheran Church, he was active in his church ushering, and serving on the church council and tellers committee. Carl graduated from Austin High School in 1937. He was employed by the Austin American Statesman while attending and completing a Business course at Nixon Clay Business College. He was later employed by the Austin Chamber of Commerce, working with Mr. Walter Long in the Legislative Service. He took a Civil Service exam preparatory for employment in the US Postal Service, he received a notice of employment with the US Postal Service the same day that Uncle Sam called him into the US Army. He entered the military on June 6, 1941 and was honorably discharged on August 5, 1945. He served during World War II and in the European Theater, in the Second Division, 38th Infantry, as a combat medic. He was severely wounded three times while treating and caring for wounded comrades, during the Battle of the Bulge, the men had to be evacuated after dark due to the enemy fire coming in. After Carl recovered from his injuries he was sent back to his Unit until the war ended in August of 1945. Carl was issued the Silver Star (the second highest medal ever given), the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart. After the war was over, Carl started working with the US Postal Service in Austin, where he was employed for over 35 years, retiring on June 26, 1981. He spent most of his time working for the Post Office at Bergstrom Air Force Base as a clerk, it was a special time and he thoroughly enjoyed working there. Carl and Bessie Kauitzsch met in September of 1945 and were married on October 5, 1947 at St. Martin's Lutheran Church in Austin. They have lived in Austin their entire married life. Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Ewald and Anna Klein; an infant sister, Elizabeth; brother, Ewald Klein; his twin brother, Hans; and nephew, Keith Klein. He is survived by his wife, Bessie; three nieces, Judith Corklin, Sandra Buchanan, and Ewalda Willis and husband Clayton. The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 16, 2008 at St. Martin's Lutheran Church with funeral services to follow at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be held at Capital Parks Cemetery in Pflugerville. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Martin's Lutheran Church, 606 West 15th Street, Austin, Texas 78701. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com