Robert Frederick Klein, Sr.

Robert “Bob” Frederick Klein of Columbia, MO passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026 at the Age of 87. Beloved husband of the late Patricia J Klein, cherished son of the late Chester and Ethel (Menzenberger) Klein; devoted father of Curtis (Marsha) Klein, Jennifer (Steve) Biggs, the late Robert Klein, Jr, and the late Kimberly (Dave) Bush; loving grandfather of Dustyn Bush, Samantha (Shea) Rodgers, Quentin (Lisa) Klein, Haley (Ben) Cheffey, Chelsea (Matt) Goodspeed, Trea (Claire) Klein, Kaitlyn Biggs, Alayna Biggs, and Chase Biggs; and treasured great-grandpa of Lyla Rodgers, Wesley Rodgers, Adrian Klein, Jackson Klein, Oliver Goodspeed, Alice Klein and Robert Dru Klein, IV; devoted brother of the late Chester Jr. (Joyce) Klein.

Bob graduated from Sandusky High School in 1957, and immediately after he married the love of his life, Pat. Their marriage spanned 68 years and they were utterly and completely devoted to one another. They built a life rooted in faith, family, laughter, service and an enduring love that was evident to everyone who knew them.

Bob’s calling to ministry came later in life, after he had already married Pat and they had three children. He attended Capital University, graduating in 1969, and immediately continued his education at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, graduating in 1971. Supporting a family while putting himself through college and seminary certainly wasn’t easy, but Bob was determined to follow the path that God had put before him. His faith wasn’t just something he preached, it was something he lived.

Bob’s first call was to St. Peter’s Lutheran in Bassett, NE. What an adventure! He later served for over 20 years at Our Savior’s Lutheran in Jefferson City, Missouri. While in Jefferson City, he served as the Chaplain of the House of Representatives from 1972-1994. He served as a mission builder in O'Fallen, MO before taking his last church as a minister at St. Mark Lutheran in Cape Girardeau, MO. He and Pat then retired to Columbia. After retirement he continued to serve as a chaplain at Valley Hope in Boonville, MO from 2009-2014. Additionally, he served as a supply pastor at Peace Lutheran in Salisbury and at numerous Episcopal churches throughout Boonville, Fayette, and Fulton.

Wherever Bob served, he led with kindness, grace, humor and a genuine love for people. He believed people should leave church feeling better than when they entered. He had a gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for and his ministry always extended beyond the pulpit.

But, if you ask his children they will say his greatest ministry was the one he lived every day at home. He was present, devoted and always showed up. He attended every game, concert, and school event. He was always active, interested and present in their daily lives.

As a father and a grandfather, Bob was the kind to get on the floor and play, he told jokes and outlandish stories, built snow roller-coasters in the back yard, and was a known "tickle torturer". He was able to turn ordinary moments into something memorable. He was goofy, silly, and endless entertaining. He treasured the people God placed in his life and never took those relationships for granted.

Bob leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, laughter and service. He will be profoundly missed by his family, his friends, and the numerous congregations and people he served. His earthly work is finished, now heaven rejoices in his homecoming.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Trinity Lutheran Seminary: 2199 E Main St, Bexley, Ohio 43209.