REV. JOSEPH KLEIN DIES AT WACO, TEX.
North Vernon Plain Dealer - June 10, 1920
Word was received here, Sunday of the death of Father Joseph Klein, a former resident of this county, at Waco, Texas, where he he had been pastor of a parish of the Roman Catholic Church
for many years. The body will arrive in this city today and will be taken to St. Mary's Church, where it will lie in state until nine o'clock, Friday morning, when funeral service will be held. The
burial will take place in St. Mary's Cemetery. He is survived by his aged mother, Mrs. Joseph Klein, who resides north of this city; by three brothers: Frank Klein and John G. Klein, of North Vernon,
and Martin Klein, of Plantersville, Texas and three sisters: Mrs. Mary Hulsman, of Lufkin, Texas, and Misses Anna B. and Lena M. Klein, of North Vernon. His father Joseph Klein died eight years ago.
Rev. Joseph Klein was born September 8, 1867, on the farm four miles north of North Vernon, where his mother still resides. He attended St. Mary's Parochial School in North Vernon
and later attended parochial school at New Albany. After graduating from common school, he attended St. Meinrad College, where he took up the studies for the priesthood, finishing his studies at the college
in December 1893. He was ordained to the priesthood by Right Reverend Bishop Chartrand, at Indianapolis, December 23, 1893, being assigned to the diocese of Galveston, Texas. He read his first holy mass
at St. Mary's Church in North Vernon, December 25, 1893. Later he was appointed by Right Reverend Bishop Galligher, of the Diocese of Galveston, as pastor of the St. Patrick's Church of Galveston, Texas.
Several years later he was appointed pastor of a parish at Plantersville, Texas, where he built a new church, a new school house, a parsonage and a teacher's house. After remaining in this parish for twelve
years. Father Klein was transferred to the parish of Wentz, Texas. Father Klein was pastor of this parish for seven years and was then appointed by Rt. Bishop Byram, Bishop Galligher's successor, pastor
of the Assumption Church at Waco, Texas.
This parish celebrated its golden jubilee on May 20, 1920 on which occasion Father Klein was master of ceremonies and on June 3, he took an active part in the celebration of the one
hundreth anniversary of the founding of the Mother House, of the sisters who have taught in the Waco parish for fifty years.
His death occurred late in the night of June 4th. His brother, Martin Klein, of Plantersville, Texas, and Rev. P. H. Hichman, of Waco, accompanied the body to this city.
The members of the Knights of Columbus and St. Joseph Society are requested to meet at the church, Thursday evening, at eight o'clock. Friends are invited to the funeral service.
FUNERAL SERVICES FOR FATHER KLEIN
North Vernon Plain Dealer - June 17, 1920
Rev. Joseph I. Klein, who died at Waco, Texas, June 5th, of cerebral hemorrhage, was fifty-two years and ten months old and had been a priest in the Diocese of Galveston, Texas, for
over twenty-six years. Father Klein's funeral services were held at Waco, Texas, in the Church of the Assumption, June 8th, at 9:00 o'clock. Right Reverend Bishop Byrne, of the Diocese of Galveston celebrated
the solemn requiem high mass and twenty seven priests of the diocese were present. The good Sisters of the Sacred Heart Academy had the altars and church draped in mourning. The choir rendered very appropriate
songs and music for the requiem high mass. The Waco Council of the Knights of Columbus, who were the honary guards of the remains of Father Klein, presented him with a beautiful floral piece in cross design
and the Daughters of Isabel presented a beautiful anchor design. These designs accompanied the remains to North Vernon and were placed upon his grave. The members of the church and friends of father Klein more
than filled the church at the funeral service at which Rev. P. A. Hickman preached the funeral sermon.
The body arrived in North Vernon June 10, accompanied by the brother of the deceased, Martin Klein. After arriving here the body was placed in care of Undertaker Charles Rapp and Sons,
and the relatives and Knight of Columbus escorted the remains to St. Mary's Church, where the members of the Knights acted as guards until the funeral service on Friday morning. Relatives and many friends viewed
the remains at the church. The solemn requiem high mass Friday morning was celebrated by Rev. M. J. Rouck, pastor of St. Mary's Church. Rev. Edward Quade of St. Ann was deacon, Rev. Charles Gerdon, of Madison,
was sub deacon; Rev George Scheidler, of St. Magdalene, was also sub deacon; and Rev M. L. Guthneck was master of ceremonies. Rev. Guthneck delivered the funeral sermon, paying a beautiful tribute to the Catholic
Priesthood and the sacrificies which it entails. The remains were interred in St. Mary's Cemetery. Find A Grave Link
CARD OF THANKS
We the undersigned, members of the bereaved family, who lost a dear son and brother, wish to thank the Galveston Diocese; Rev. P. A. Hickman and all the priests who attended the funeral
of Father Klein; the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, the Knights of Columbus, the Daughters of Isabel, (especially for floral designs) and all the other friends and the undertaker, who rendered assistance at Waco,
Texas. We also wish to thank Rev. M. J. Rouck, Rev. M. J. Guthneck, Rev. Charles Gerdon, Rev. Edward Quade, Rev George Scheidler, the good Sisters of St. Francis, the choir and the Knights of Columbus, and the
many friends for their kind services and sympathy and also Undertaker Rapp and the friends who furnished cars at the funeral.
Mrs. Joseph Klein
F. X. Klein
Miss A. B. Klein
M. Klein
J. G. Klein
Mrs. Mary Hulsman.
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