Leo Klein Jr.

Leo P. Klein Jr., 75, Bismarck, passed from earth into heaven, at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck, on March 24, 2010, surrounded by his family. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 30, 2010, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Bismarck, with Rev. Paul Becker officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a rosary and vigil service will be held at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, one hour prior to the service at the church. Leo was born on January 18, 1935, to Leo Sr. and Teresa Schumacher Klein at his family’s farm near Dodge, ND. He was raised and educated in the area and graduated from Dodge High School in 1954. Leo joined the Army and proudly served his country in Korea before being honorably discharged in 1957. He then attended Bismarck Junior College and received a teaching degree and worked for a short time as a school teacher at a country school north of Beulah. On February 29, 1960, Leo married Alberta Keller at St. Martin’s Church, rural Dodge, ND. He was hired by Schultz and Lindsay Contractors the same year. The company was involved with the initial construction of I-94, and as a result, Leo and his family lived in Dickinson and Fargo, before settling in Bismarck in 1973 to start a new job as the general manager for Earth Builders, Inc. In 1978, Leo and Alberta started their own business called Big Valley Gravel, that later became Pioneer Construction. Well known for his strong work ethic, he worked tirelessly to provide for his family. He continued to improve his skills as a businessman throughout his life. He earned the respect and admiration of his employees, often becoming a father figure in their lives. Leo had a strong faith in God and it was apparent in how he led his life. His faith remained strong during the good times and the bad. He was a devoted son, husband, father, and grandfather. His love for his family and friends was immeasurable and he was always concerned for the well being of others. He was an avid walker and put in many miles on a daily basis. He enjoyed camping and sitting around the fire and sharing stories. He had a witty sense of humor and was a master of the one-liners. Nothing made him happier than attending big family gatherings. He loved to stop in and visit friends and relatives. His hobbies included raising cattle, coin and rock collecting, hunting, and planting trees. The activity he enjoyed most was touring the countryside prospecting for gravel. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Leo is survived by his four sons, James, Marco, Thomas Rhea, and William Yvonne, all of Bismarck; twelve grandchildren and step-grandchildren; his sisters, Anna Jack Kathrein, Amidon, ND, Genevieve Klein, Carpenteria, CA, Amelia Pius Schmalz, Billings, MT, Cecelia Milisch, Greenfield, WI, and Rosemary Alvin Glaser, Bismarck, ND; and his brothers, John Betty Klein, Beulah, ND, and Joseph Patricia Klein, Mandan, ND. He will be welcomed into Heaven by his wife, Alberta, his daughter Teresa, and his parents. Flowers are welcome, but any memorials received will be donated to the God’s Child Project.

Leo Klein Jr.

January 18, 1935 - March 24, 2010