Jerry Klein

Born May 21, 1933 in Moline, Illinois Jerry called Yuma home since 1942. His days at Yuma High, then the US Army, a proud member of the Elks Club of Yuma, an electrical contractor and a husband, father and then grandfather defined his happy life.

Jerry had many loves. Beginning and ending with his deep love for his family. He was also passionate about Klein's Kustom Electric which he started 50 years ago.

Jerry was preceded in his passing by parents Richard Earl and Dorothy Klein. Brother Richard and wife Millie (Plath). After Millie's passing in 2012, Jerry later married Sherry Appleby of Yuma. She died in 2015.

Jerry is survived by daughter Cookie Mitchell and son in-law Bill of Yuma. Son Larry Klein and daughter in-law Shelly of East Windsor, NJ. Four grandchildren: Travis Mitchell of Yuma and Madison, Cameron and Hayden Klein of East Windsor.

Life in Yuma:

Jerry was a pinsetter at a downtown Yuma bowling alley during his middle school years at Fourth Avenue Jr. High. He also bagged groceries at Roberts Market. "Gus" as his friends called him at Yuma High-often said his days there were some of the best of his life. He participated in everything from drama to baseball. Jerry wore the "Criminal" badge proudly and would still meet for breakfast with classmates until his passing. After graduating in 1951 Jerry worked at the Standard Oil and Gas station on 1st Street at Maiden Lane before being drafted into the US Army in 1953. Jerry was a Master Sergeant in the Army deployed to Austria.

Jerry was married to Millie Plath on August 20th, 1955. They soon began their family and built their home on 5 acres in the Yuma valley in 1965. The home near 25th Street and 21st Avenue would soon become the launching place for Klein's Kustom Electric. The home also become known as "The Christmas House" as Jerry and Millie would decorate with many self-made characters from Disney and other popular children's shows. They were happy to share their home with anyone and everyone who would drive by or stop in on Christmas Eve each year.

As an Elk Jerry served many roles including Exalted Ruler in 1972. His membership card is full of endorsements and the one he was most proud of was the "Lifetime Member" status he earned.

Jerry had many life-long friends and made new ones each and every day including his recent years as a resident at Desert Rose. Always whistling a favorite song and putting smiles on other people's faces. Jerry was always planning that next fishing trip.

Jerry's nephew, Pastor Bob Klein, will officiate funeral services at 10am Saturday, February 24th at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3030 South 8th Avenue in Yuma. Graveside rituals from the Yuma Elks and the American Legion will follow at Desert Lawn Cemetery. Pallbearers are: Travis Mitchell, Madison Klein, Cameron Klein, Hayden Klein, Jon Klein, Derrick Billiard and Keith Boyd.

In lieu of flowers Jerry's wish would be donations to the Yuma Elks Lodge #476 earmarked for their "Major Project" – The Steele Children's Research center in Tucson or to a charity of your choice.

A wonderful father and a special grandfather. "Poppy" will be forever in our hearts.