David “Dave” Joseph Klein, 85, of Manitowoc passed away on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025 at Shady Lane Nursing Care Center.
Dave was born on September 6, 1940 in Manitowoc to the late Harold and Esther (Gadzinski) Klein. He attended Lincoln High School then joined the United States Marine Corps. Throughout his school years, he enjoyed playing school sports: swimming, track, football and basketball. Later in life he enjoyed playing league bowling, where he met Cindy. On May 8, 1979, he married Cynthia “Cindy” Franz. Dave worked for Manitowoc Company for over 30 years until his retirement in 2000. Dave enjoyed riding his Goldwing with Cindy, family road trips, his two German Shepherds, and had a passion for golf, and loved teaching his sons and grandson. After retirement, he loved spending time with the neighborhood kids and especially being “grampa-next-door” to Anna Mae, Marlee, and Luke.
Dave is survived by his loving wife of 48 years: Cindy Klein; children: Debra Risch, and Mike Klein; four grandchildren: Taylor Mixa, Dylan Risch, Mariah Kaufman, and Kylie Reinecke; three great-grandchildren; one sister: Barbara Meisner; and one brother-in-law: Stephen Franz. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Dave was preceded in death by his parents: Harold and Esther Klein; two sons: Bryan and Andrew; one daughter: Amy Reinecke; brother: Larry Klein; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Clement and Helen Franz; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Suzanne and Steve Dhein.
A funeral service to celebrate Dave’s life will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 1:00 pm the Pfeffer Funeral Home, 928 S. 14th Street, with Chaplain Jed Watson officiating. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at the funeral home from 12:00 pm until the time of service at 1:00 pm.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Jordan for keeping me upright and all the staff at Froedtert Holy Family Hospital, Shady Lane Nursing Center and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for all their care and compassion given to Dave.
The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer location, is assisting the family with arrangements.
