Jude J. “Skip” Klein, 81, of Huntley, died peacefully on January 23, 2022, with his wife by his side.
Skip was born March 21, 1940, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the sixth and youngest child of Francis (Frank) and Mary Klein. He was the first in his family to graduate from college, a proud alum of the University of Minnesota. On August 26, 1961, he married his childhood sweetheart, Judith Starzecki. He soon became the father of a daughter and a son who were the apples of his eye. Skip and his young family moved to Maryland, where he continued his career as a federal government employee with the Census Bureau. He and his family later moved to the Chicago area, where Skip worked for the Railroad Retirement Board, retiring at age 49. His second career was with the Marriott Church Creek senior center, where he enjoyed taking fellow “seniors” to appointments, cultural events, and his favorite, “going for a drive.” He was able to make full use of his passion for telling stories and drawing on his wide repertoire of jokes. After his second retirement, he and Judy settled in Huntley’s Del Webb development, which he wryly called “God’s waiting room.”
Family was important to Skip throughout his life. He and his five siblings shared a remarkable bond even into adulthood, with plenty of fun and games, music and singing, food and ice cream, and “chewing the fat.” Skip and Judy created a similar closeness within their own family.
Skip and Judy shared a passion for travel, visiting all fifty states, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and several countries in Europe. Skip’s other passions included gardening—both vegetables and flowers—and DIY projects ranging from home maintenance to helping a close friend build a cabin. He also enjoyed playing cards, square dancing, and a variety of outdoor activities, including hunting, appreciating wildlife and nature, and biking. He was a loving and affectionate husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by Judith, his wife of sixty years; his children, Mary Klein (Dan Lindstrom) and Alan (Susan) Klein; four grandchildren, David, Nathaniel, Erin, and Theo; his sisters Mary Ann Larsen and Kathleen Wickard; and numerous nieces and nephews. Skip also considered Ilda Castaneda, who provided calm and compassionate care during his last months, to be part of the family.
Jude was preceded in death by his parents and by his siblings Gloria, Frank (“Bud”), and Grace.
Visitation will be on Sunday, January 30, from 5-7pm at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley, with a wake service and time of sharing at 6pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, January 31, 2022, 10am at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Children's Hospital.
For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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Greg and I were so sad to hear that Uncle Skip had passed away. He was such a kind, wonderful man and I loved being around him. He was always so fun and funny. We really missed him and Judy at the family reunion in these later years. I always think about him and his love for the sweets (M&Ms) which I share with him. He was loved and will definitely be missed ❤️❤️
We hope the sure knowledge that Skip is with the Lord in heaven will bring some level of comfort. No one or nothing could make up for Skip being gone. Bless you all and God Bless. Myra and Sal DiMasi
Skip was one of the nicest guys you’d ever wanna meet Frank and I are sending our deepest sympathy to his family
We are sad to hear about Skip passing and pray for God to provide comfort and strength at this time. Our deepest sympathy for the family and friends of Skip.
Uncle Skip will be missed by so many people, but he certainly left a legacy of making others feel welcome and appreciated. His sense of humor was second to none and everyone gravitated to him. I was proud to call him my godfather, and I will greatly miss his big bear hugs. Aunt Judy, Mary and Alan, you are all in thoughts and prayers. I love you all and I hope you find comfort in knowing that heaven is now a little brighter and Uncle Skip is probably enjoying a big dish of ice cream.
Our sincere condolences to Judy and the entire Klein family. Though we are deeply saddened by Skip's passing, we take comfort from his finally being at complete rest. He has been a joyous neighbor and a super email pal.
Sending sympathy and wishes for comfort to my dear friend Mary and her family. Your father set an example of how to create a rich and meaningful life filled with love, fun, and adventure. You will surely miss him, but take comfort in knowing that he will be remain present and beside you with each memory you share.
Sending my sincere condolences to my dear friend Mary and the entire Klein Family on the lost of your love one. God Bless His Spirit.
So very sorry to hear of Jude’s passing. Think of him often and the “good old days “ at Church Creek. Have such good and fun memories of Jude and his “partner”Bob” driving the bus and interacting with the residents. He was loved. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with Judy and the whole family. Lynn Beckman
I was truly saddened to hear the passing of Jude. He was a TEAM PLAYER and I enjoyed our long talks in the break room at Marriott Church Creek over the years. My condolences to Judy and Family.
Judy, May the Lord surround you with His love now and always. Skip was such a kind and gentle man. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Skip was a great gentleman. I remember a lot of Friday nights playing cards with him in the "small change" group he started back in 2007. Judy, may the peace of the Lord be with you in this sad time.
So very sorry to hear of Jude’s passing. Think of him often and the “good old days “ at Church Creek. Have such good and fun memories of Jude and his “partner”Bob” driving the bus and interacting with the residents. He was loved. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with Judy and the whole family. Lynn Beckman
Sending so much love to my second family, Mary, Alan and Judy, on the loss of Skip. My life was changed for knowing all of you, with Papa Bear Klein heading your clan and taking us all on so many adventures. Thanks for being my soft place to land during my childhood. I would not be the person I am today without all of you, your many kindnesses and great sense of fun in everything we shared. Thank you for letting me into your world. It's been a great place to be. Hugging you all at this difficult time. Hold onto each other and be comforted by the kind words and memories that reach out to you now. All my love, Elizabeth
We are so very sorry for your loss Judy. We never got a chance to get to know Skip since we've been in Del Webb but he sounded like he lived a wonderful and honorable life. Praying you and your family have beautiful memories to cherish.
He was the definition of a gentlemen! He had a beautiful heart and will be very much missed. I can only imagine how many smiling faces were there to greet him and can’t help but make us smile a little! He was very lucky to have you on his journey Judy and I am sure trying to find a new normal will be a challenge, we have faith in you that you will continue to do an amazing job on what ever you decide to do! We love you!
My deepest sympathies go out to Uncle Skip's beloved family and friends. He was one of the most caring people I have ever known. Even though his health condition had been poor for many years, his continuous optimism and sense of humor were an inspiration to us all! I try to take comfort in knowing that he was welcomed to heaven by his big sister, Grace. My Mom loved and appreciated him so much! They had a very special bond. My Mom said she would sing the song 'Little Skipper' to get him to go to sleep when he was little. The nickname stuck! Uncle Skip and his siblings would gather around the piano and sing (or "crowing", as he would call it!) whenever they had the opportunity. Music has always been a great joy to the family. I know that Mom, Uncle Skip, Uncle Frank, and Aunt Gloria have found a piano in heaven and will be happily 'crowing' forever ❤ Rest in peace, Uncle Skip - You will greatly missed!
Deepest condolences to the family. We are so sorry for your loss and that we could not attend services. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.