Ralph A. Klein, age 87, a Manitowoc resident, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital, Manitowoc.

He was born June 13, 1936 in Manitowoc, son of the late Ralph G. and Aurelia (Pankratz) Klein. Ralph attended Lincoln High School, graduating with the class of 1954. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Army National Guard. On October 7, 1961 he married Rita Zywicke at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Manitowoc. Ralph was employed as Operations Supervisor at the Manitowoc Wastewater Treatment Plant, retiring in 1995 after 30 years of employment. He was a member of the Lions Club, American Legion Post 44, and Manitowoc County Fish and Game. Ralph enjoyed golfing and bowling. He was also an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish and hunt. Ralph fulfilled his dream by building his northern Wisconsin lake house with his two sons. He enjoyed 30 years of retirement at the lake house.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 62 years: Rita; his son: Keith (Valerie); grandchildren: Todd R. Klein, Tyler Klein, Kyle Klein, and Patti (Ryan) Pankratz; great-grandchildren: Caden, Jersie, and Sophia Pankratz, and Alec and Aubrey Klein; five brothers: Dan (Nancy) Klein, Tom Klein, Jim (Mary) Klein, Peter (Kay) Klein, and Joe (Debbi) Klein; and two sisters-in-law: Janice Swetlik and Diane (Bob) Haese. Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son: Todd A. Klein; two sisters-in-law: Karen Klein and Mary June Krause; and two brothers-in-law: David Zywicke and Quirin Swetlik.

Cremation has occurred at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory, Manitowoc, and a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at St. Francis of Assisi on Grand, 1416 Grand Avenue, Manitowoc. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Doug LeCaptain with burial to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Manitowoc. Military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post 88 of Manitowoc.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at St. Francis of Assisi on Grand, Manitowoc.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family for donation of their choice to organizations that were important to Ralph.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staffs of Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital, as well as Sharon S. Richardson Hospice, especially Teri, for the care and compassion they have shown Ralph and his family.