Henry J. Kline

Henry was born on November 14, 1939, to William and Florence (Paulus) on the multi-generational farm on Kline Road. His great, great, great-grandfather settled on Kline Road when the family emigrated from Germany. His mother’s family also had a multigenerational family farm in Randolph near St. Joseph’s Church.

He worked the family farm since he was 10 years old. Every morning Henry and his brother, Raymond, milked the cows before going to school. He continued milking cows twice a day for the next 60 years. He farmed about 200 acres and milked about 35 cows daily. When he sold the dairy cows he started raising beef cows. Henry said raising beef was his retirement because he could sleep in until 7:00 AM. Whenever anybody would ask about his job, Henry would simply reply, “He never had a job.” His career was his lifestyle, and he cherished every day of it.

Henry will be remembered for farming with his team of dapple gray Percheron draft horses. He had tractors but loved hitching his team to plant corn, haul manure, ted hay and rake hay. He will also fondly be remembered for his ability to sleep anywhere. Henry would fall asleep in the field and his team of horses would get to the end of a row and take him back home. It was amusing when he would wake up from a deep nap, in the barn with the horses waiting patiently for their next task.

He enjoyed life and was dedicated to his family, his heritage, his community, and St. Peter of the Fields Catholic Church. Henry lived frugally and could fix everything. This allowed him to keep up the Kline tradition of loaning money to farmers, friends and family. His great grandfather started the tradition after the depression when small farms were the norm. Many farmers came to his house and asked for help to either expand their farm or build a house. His generosity helped build St. Peter’s Church and Portage Community Bank. He believed in his community and always gave back. Henry has been a Farm Bureau member since high school. He was on the Portage County Dairy Committee and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Henry had many lifelong friends that he would still call regularly and visit. His Rootstown High School Class of 1957 still gather every year. In his last few years as he retired he would join church friends monthly to talk, laugh and eat. He went to mass every Sunday rain or shine. He was a true believer in God and church and lived according to his doctrine. He was adored by so many and left a positive impact on everyone he met. Henry was always busy doing something on the farm, but would stop when anyone came by to talk.

Henry’s wife Barb preceded him in death 12 years ago. Henry leaves behind his beloved daughter Amy and her husband Adam Stall and two grandchildren Henry and Jocelyn. He was thrilled this year when he met dozens of Amy’s biological family. The instant connection and gratitude was amazing. Henry adopted two other children from which he has been estranged.

Henry was kind, sincere and generous to everyone he came across during his life. Henry never met a stranger, he could find common conversations with anyone, and would wave to every car that went by.

He gave great advice and was a stellar example to us all for how to live a happy productive life. He was genuine, honest to a fault and humble. Henry embodied the best of humanity and will be sorely missed.

Friends and family will be received Tuesday, December 3, 2024, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home in Ravenna. Friends will also be received Wednesday, December 4, 2024, from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at St. Peter of the Fields Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend David Misbrener at 11:00 AM and interment will follow at St. Peter of the Fields Cemetery.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Henry's name to 4-H.