Frank H. Klein

Frank Klein, age 87, of Mendota Heights, died April 13, 2021, at his home.

He was born on July 10, 1933, in St. Paul, to Frank and Ruth Klein, the oldest son of what became a family with 8 children. He attended St. Mark’s School and St. Thomas High School, lettering in football, baseball, and hockey. Hockey was his favorite sport, and he centered the top line on the 1951 team that was undefeated and won the state private school championship.  He attended St. Thomas University, where he majored in philosophy, and met his future wife and love of his life, Joan Sommerdorf of St. Paul, who was at St. Catherine’s College. After a short stint in the U.S. Marines that left him with a distrust of the military, he pursued a career in insurance sales.   He, his brother, Jack, and his father, Frank Henry, founded the Klein Agency, which they built into a thriving family business that continues today.

Frank and Joan had 5 children, and their dinner table was filled with intellectual conversation and silly jokes. He loved being active outdoors -- hiking, biking, tennis and hockey -- and he passed that love on to his children. He set a strong moral example and encouraged his children to pursue their interests, as long as they were practical interests. He also continued to read about religion, history and current events, seeking truth in this complex world and discussing ideas and events with family and friends. He admired those who showed dignity, moral strength and passion for justice, from Tolstoy to Roger Federer to Rachel Maddow. He wrote a simple prayer that the family recited before dinner each night while holding hands, and the tradition continues. “Help our family to love and help each other…”  Later in life, he enjoyed spending time with his 20 grandchildren, all of whom have wonderful memories of his grandiose introductions for them when they walked out on the diving board.

He is survived by one daughter, Dr. Melissa Klein Gardner (Keith) of Mendota Heights; four sons, Frank Joseph (Anne) of Eagan, Michael John (Traci) of Rochester, State Sen. Matthew David, M.D. (Kristine) of Mendota Heights, and Dr. Benjamin Daniel Berrigan (Julia) of Marietta, Georgia; a brother, Jack Klein, five sisters, Joan Thistlewood, Mary Ann Heideman, Kathy Warren, Susan Thistlewood and Judy Klein;  as well as 19 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, of 60 years, Joan Sommerdorf Klein; sister, Jean Wilson; and a grandson, Matthew Sandon Sonnenberg Klein.

A gathering will be Friday, April 16th from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at O’Halloran and Murphy, 575 S. Snelling Ave., St. Paul.

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