Karen Gay (Landon) Klein, age 78, of Manitowoc, was welcomed into heaven by our Lord and Savior on Sunday, December 20, 2020. She passed away peacefully at the Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation Center where she had been residing since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. Although isolated from her family due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, she still had a positive outlook on life remaining strong to her faith. Karen loved the window visits from her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other family, and friends.
Born to John P. and Marian R. (Thompson) Landon on March 31, 1942, in Manitowoc. Karen was a long-time resident of Manitowoc and graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1960. Inspired by the Catholic Nuns she affectionately called “Sissy Mommas” who cared for her during her many hospitalizations as a child due to severe asthma and respiratory disease, she fulfilled her own dream of becoming a nurse. She graduated with her LPN degree from the school of nursing in Green Bay in 1962. After graduating from nursing school Karen went on a two-year adventure living in, Burbank, California where she worked at the Providence St. Joseph Medical Center. Her claim to fame was the opportunity to meet (the Duke) John Wayne who came to visit one of the patients she was caring for.
After returning from California, Karen met the love of her life and fellow Class of 1960 graduate, Thomas J. Klein at the 1964 Manitowoc County Fair. They were united in Marriage at St. Paul Catholic Church in Manitowoc on July 07, 1966. Karen was also employed as a Nurse at Holy Family Medical Center, Manitowoc from 1964 until she retired in 1974 due to health reasons and to become a full-time mom to her three children, John, Steven, and Kelli.
Karen lived for and adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Karen always put the needs of her children in front of her own, often going without necessities to make sure the kids had what they needed. She had a way of making everyone feel loved and special. She volunteered for many years as both a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader for her children’s troops. In addition to her family, Karen enjoyed spending time with her many friends. Karen was the head of the Class of 60 reunion committee and enjoyed helping to organize those events.
On July 7, 2016, Karen and Tom celebrated their Golden Anniversary with a party for family and friends given by their children.
Karen is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 54-years Thomas, she is also survived by a son John (Brenda) Klein of Manitowoc, son Steven (Carmen) Klein of Fond du Lac and daughter Kelli Klein of Manitowoc, nine grandchildren, Kayla (Kory) Pieper of Fond du Lac, Stephanie (Caleb) Madson of Valders, Justin (fiancée Megan Schley) Klein of Manitowoc, Dylan (Amiah McVey) Klein of Manitowoc, Landon and CJ Klein of Fond du Lac, Costner, Morgan and Madison Kaminski of Manitowoc. Five great-grandchildren, Kayson Pieper, Seth and Bryce Madson, Addison and Jace Klein. Karen is further survived by her brother Garth (Mary Ciolkosz) Landon, brother-in-laws Ralph (Rita) Klein, Danny (Nancy) Klein, James (Mary) Klein, Peter (Kay) Klein and Joe (Debbie) Klein and many special cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents John and Marian Landon, her father and mother-in-law Ralph and Aurelia “Tootie” Klein, three nephews: Todd Klein, Randy Landon, and James Landon.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 26, 2020, at St. Francis Assisi Catholic Church, 1416 Grand Ave. Manitowoc WI. Rev. Doug LeCaptain will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial. Visitation will take place at the Church from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and in an effort to keep everyone safe, the family requests that everyone please wear a mask and practice social distancing. Graveside services and burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Manitowoc WI. the Funeral Mass will also be live-streamed starting at 10:50 a.m. You may view the service on our Facebook page, Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes.
Karen’s family would like to thank Dr. Mark Herring and his staff for the tremendous and compassionate care he provided to Karen over the past 30 plus years. In addition, the family would also like to thank the wonderful staff at Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation Center for the care and support they provided to Karen these past 9-months.
