Benjamin F. Klein

Benjamin Franklin Klein, of Gridley, IL age 88, passed away October 9, 2023 with his wife Lois by his side at Carle Hospital in Normal.

He was born December 25, 1934 in Bloomington, son of Frank and Lila (Sharp) Klein.  He married Linda Reel August 24, 1958.  After Linda passed away he later married Lois Welsh, December 7, 1969, she survives.  Also surviving are three children, Bruce (Karen) of Lexington, Leanne (Roger) Ross of Bloomington and David (Katie) Klein, of El Paso, Illinois.  Six Grandchildren Tyler (Jena), Jonica (Eric) McGee, Zach Ross, Jane (Sam) Nichols, Abigail Klein and Benjamin Klein.  Two great-grandsons Luke and Levi Klein also survive.  Two sisters Myra Siebenaler and Faye Oliver and two brothers Loren Keith, and Ronald L. Klein and proceeded him in death.

Benjamin graduated from Lexington High School in 1954 then served in the US Army, stationed at Schofield Barracks in Waialua, Hawaii through 1958.  He served in the Army Reserves through 1962. Following his service he returned home to farm with his father near the Lexington-Gridley area for the remainder of his life where he served on the Lexington Community School Board and active member of the Evangelical United Brethren Church.  In 1976, with the help of his family, Ben built a new home on the Welsh Brothers farm south of Gridley where he would live for the next 47 years. 

Ben was a faithful member of Christ Community Church of Gridley, serving there, and its predecessors, since moving to Gridley as Sunday school teacher, shut-in ministry servant, Moderator, Building Co-Chairman and unofficial prayer warrior.  On Sunday, September 24^th, 2023, he helped break ground for a new sanctuary to be built during the upcoming year.   Benjamin’s faith in Jesus Christ was a living daily witness to his family and friends and he looked forward to his day to be with his Lord and Savior. 

Visitation will be on Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 4-7 p.m. at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in El Paso, and one hour before the funeral service at the church.  Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Friday, October 13, 2023 at Christ Community Church in Gridley with Pastor Andy Huette, officiating. Burial will be in Gridley cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Community Church of Gridley, or Gridley Emergency Medical Services. Condolences and tributes may be sent to his family at ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com