Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Rita (Sherer) Klein; his parents; parents-in-law, Richard and Margaret Sherer; and brothers-in-law, brothers-in-law, Robert Umlor, Bernard Denhof, Michael Wheelock, Robert Sherer, Eric Sherer, and John Sherer. 

Survivors include his daughter, Peggy (Dan) Denman; son, Joseph (Kelly) Klein; grandchildren, David (Claire) Schoenborn, Matthew and Jonathan Schoenborn, Joshua (Jenna) Klein, and Emily Klein; siblings, Donald (Shirley) Klein, Carl (Mary) Klein, Thomas (Betty) Klein, Pat (Kenneth) Brennan, Janice (Ted) Crowley, Louis (Darlene) Klein, Marilyn Wheelock, Dan (Barb) Klein, Roger (Sue) Klein, and James Klein; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Richard (Barb) Sherer, Joan Sherer, Lila Sherer, Betty Denhof, Faith Umlor; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 

Joe was a lifetime farmer who continued talking about farming until his last days. He loved raising quarter horses and spending time with his grandkids. Joe also enjoyed riding around on his golf cart in retirement. He was a lifetime Catholic and member of St. Joseph Catholic Church his entire life. Joe had a strong faith and thoroughly enjoyed praying his rosaries every day. He will be dearly missed by family and friends.

Gathering of family and friends will take place on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 10:00am until 11:00am, at St. Joseph Catholic Church - Wright, 18784 8th Ave, Conklin, MI 49403, with a Memorial Mass at 11:00am with Rev. Andrew Ayers officiating. Burial will take place this spring at St. Joseph's Cemetery. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Green Acres of Lowell for their help and care of Joe these past couple of months. 

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.