Joseph Gregory Klein Sr. passed on January 23, 2022 in St. Mary’s Hospital. Joe was born to Chester Joseph Klein and Dolores (Payne Klein Finney) on December 15, 1955 in Peoria, IL.

Joe had a son from a previous marriage, Joseph Gregory (Melissa) Klein Jr. from New Port Richie, FL. On August 18, 1979 Starrlinn’s sister Melissa got married and Starrlinn caught the bouquet and met Joe later that evening. They went on to get married on October 3, 1981 and now it is 42 years later. Joe and Starrlinn had three daughters together Laci Klein (Justin Leaf), Ashley Klein (Jeff Gable) both of Galesburg, IL; Lindi and Kenneth Gerard of Marshalltown, IA. Six grandchildren, Keegan and Lauren Leaf, Ayden Taylor Joseph Klein; Cameron, Lillian, and Grayson Gerard. Joe also had five brothers, Jim and Melissa Finney from Bradenton, FL; Mike Finney from Peoria, IL; Ron and Marcia Finney from New Hampshire; Tom Finney from Bradenton, FL; David and Barbara Finney from Bradenton, FL. and many nieces and nephews.

Joe Graduated from Carl Sandburg College with a degree in Autobody and Welding. He was a Certified Welder from Butler Manufacturing until he became disabled. He loved reading western books and watching the Chicago Bears football games. He showed his family love through his cooking and always helping in any way possible. One of the highlights in his life was being a loving and nurturing grandpa as he was he was a proud family man. His strong FAITH helped him battle multiple diseases for many years. Joe passed away due to complications from COVID. He was surrounded by his wife and his four children. He was proceeded in death by his parents Chester Joseph Klein (September 1956) and Dolores Finney (April 28, 2013); his mother in law Marylinn (October 31, 2000) and Clifford (December 21, 2021) Conrad; his sister in law Melissa Conrad (May 3, 2013); a niece Elissa Bickerstaff (June 16, 2011); and a nephew Jeremy Finney (September 13, 2021).

A Visitation will be held at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel on Friday, January 28, 2022, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. A funeral service will be held the same day at 11:00 AM with Chaplain Jordan Knight officiating and a committal service at East Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg, Illinois to follow. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com