Henry Clifford Klein Jr.

Henry Clifford Klein, Jr. was born on April 23, 1924, to Henry and Marie Klein at home in Fresno, CA, and passed away on November 13, 2014. He graduated from Barstow Elementary School and attended Central High School, working from a young age with his family in local orchards and vineyards.

At the age of 17, Henry and some friends went to Oakland, CA to work in the shipyards until entering service in the United States Army at the age of 19. He served in Europe until the close of World War II.

Henry met the love of his life, Connie Borger, while driving down "the Main" Fulton Street, with his buddy, Don Lung. They spotted Connie and her best friend Verna, who were walking with ice cream they had just bought at Rudy's, and were quick to make their acquaintance.

Henry and Connie were married on October 24, 1948, and established their own farm in 1950 in Biola, CA. They were blessed with three sons, and as their family grew, so did their farming operation, which expanded to a peak of 350 acres, all planted in Thompson grapes. Henry helped found the Raisin Bargaining Association "RBA" and served as chairman of the Raisin Administrative Committee "RAC" for many years.

Fishing trips to the coast were frequent as their children grew and the demands of farming allowed, and Henry was very involved and generous with the local community as well. He coached and sponsored many little league, high school, and college teams, and even sponsored an amateur fast pitch softball team, the Klein Barons, being inducted into the ASA Softball Hall of Fame. Henry was also an avid bowler and VFW Member.

After their boys were grown, Henry and Connie made many friends in their travels to Germany, Switzerland, Canada, and England. Henry also visited Japan, Iran, Turkey, Hong Kong, Australia, as well as others, as an emissary of the RAC.

Henry is survived by his wife of 66 years, Constance "Borger" Klein; his three sisters, Bertha Schmall, Alice Wagenleitner, and Edna Mae Pratt and her husband Al; his three sons and their wives, Clifford and Jessie, Jeffrey and Sheli, and Robert and Laura; nine grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, who will miss him dearly.

Visitation will be held at Stephens & Bean Chapel on Tuesday, November 18, 2014, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral Service will be held at Stephens & Bean Chapel on Wednesday, November 19, 2014, at 10:00 a.m.

Remembrances may be made to the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, 3233 N. West Ave.,Fresno, CA 93705; or to the donor's favorite charity.

Arrangements under the direction of Stephens & Bean Funeral Chapel, Fresno, CA.