Obituary of Lavon G. Klein

Attorney Lavon “Chuck” Klein, 93 of rural Cosgrove passed away peacefully with family at his side on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at the Solon Care Center.   Visitation will take place on Sunday, March 18 from 2 – 5 p.m. at the Gay and Ciha Funeral Home, 2720 Muscatine Avenue, Iowa City. A military graveside service will be held Monday, March 19 at 10:00 a.m. at the Oak Hill Cemetery, Coralville exit, north of I-80 on1st Avenue, Coralville. 

Mr. Klein was born on August 25, 1924 in Keota, Iowa, the son of Alvin and Adeline Klein.  He married Eunice Hemshrot on March 19, 1960 in Kahoka, Missouri.  His family includes his brother, Richard Klein of Keota, brother Terry, Colorado and his sister, Joyce Applegate of Oklahoma; his children, Tracy (wife Deb) of Coralville, Tammy Klein-Dudley (husband Mel) of Rock Island, Steve Klein (wife Rosa) of Eureka, Montana Linda Klein and Jeffrey Klein and his stepchildren, Vicki Thomae (husband Steve) of Iowa City and Jeff Marner (Iowa City), ten grandchildren and great grandchildren and his grand-dog, Weasel, always by his side.

Chuck served proudly in the United States Marine Corp in WWII, from 1942 to 1945, re-enlisting to further his service in the Korean war from 1950-1952   There he worked his way up through the ranks of Drill Instructor to eventually being honorably discharged with the rank of  Lieutenant.   Chuck had the courage and stamina to not only serve his Country but also pursue another one of his many passions, law.  He graduated from the University of Iowa Law College in 1954 and began work for a law firm in Iowa City.  Later, he chose to “hang a shingle” and successfully operated his own office for many years in Coralville, Iowa as sole practitioner along with the duty of Police Judge.   While in Coralville, he and his wife, Eunice, enjoyed participating in the bowling league. 

In 1974, Chuck ventured a bit back to his roots when he and Eunice purchased the farm in Cosgrove.  There he hobbied in raising registered red angus cattle, horses and other livestock.  That adjustment in life seemed to fit he and his wife to a “t”. He cherished the farm and all that came with it, the outdoors, chores, and most of all, family life. He was forever grateful for the time spent with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Preceded in death were his parents, wife Eunice, stepson, Sam Marner, brother Ron Klein and his sister Vivian Baughman.

The family would like to thank the VA Hospital, Comfort Care, Pathways and the Solon Retirement Village for their hard work, support and friendships.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.