Pastor Jerry Ray Klein passed away peacefully on February 2, 2024, in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 7, 1944, in Saginaw, MI. He graduated high school from Brimley Area Schools in 1963. He was married to the love of his life Jocelyn Klein on February 7, 1965. Together they went on to build a beautiful family.
To know Jerry was a blessing in itself. Jerry was a shining light in this dark world. There isn’t a photograph of him that doesn’t show the love he had. He was a jack of all trades. He worked for General Motors, Gray Iron Foundry, he was a carpenter, he worked in the woods, and most of all his passion was ministry. Before Jerry’s health issues he could always be found outside. He loved planting flower beds, gardening, cutting grass, and he stacked some of the most perfect wood piles. You would pull into the yard, and everything was in place and beautiful, it looked like something out of a magazine. He was a perfectionist.
Jerry spent many years in the carpentry business building many things. Just to name a few- shelves, birdhouses, chairs and of course his beautiful cabin that was so much more than just four walls. There was so much love- love for family, friends, and most of all love for the Lord. He loved sitting at the table watching the birds, deer, and all of God’s creations.
Jerry was ordained as an Elder into the priesthood on December 7, 1994. In his time, he officiated several weddings and funerals. He was a pastor in Eckerman at the Orthodox Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Every conversation you had with Jerry simply involved Christ. That was how he lived life, following the Lord and sharing the Lord's word. He was the perfect example of faith, hope, and love; but the greatest is love. If Jerry knew you, he loved you. He had several favorite bible verses and quotes. One he quoted frequently was “Faith does not make things easy; it makes them possible.”
Jerry is survived by his wife of 59 years Jocelyn Klein, and his children: Patricia (Al) Klein, Mark and Traci Klein, Sherry and Brian Mills, Brian (Jeff) Klein, Rachel and James Randolph, his eight grandchildren: Christopher Klein, Jessica Mills, Alicia Klein, Nathon Mills, Darrell Klein, Joshua Mills, Miles Randolph, Elliot Randolph, his six great grandchildren: Malina, Keigan, Davyn, Kade, Everleigh, Makoa, several nieces and nephews, brother in laws, sister in laws, and special friends.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents John and May Klein, his brothers: Marlin, Marvin, and John Klein, his grandson: Brandon Mills, five brother in laws, and six sisters in laws.
Donations can be made out towards funeral expenses at Family Life Funeral Homes, 24945 S. M-129, Pickford, Michigan 49774.
Services will take place in Eckerman at the Orthodox Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (34219 W M 28) on February 24, 2024, at 11:00 am. Luncheon to follow the service at Chippewa Townhall (30014 W M28 Eckerman, MI).
Family Life Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
As submitted by family
