Gary "Papa" Edward Klein

Gary Edward Klein, (“Papa” as he was known to all who loved him), a beloved husband, father, brother, grandpa, and friend, peacefully entered eternal life on Saturday, March 8th, 2025, surrounded in the love of his family.

A time of gathering will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, from 4-7 PM and Friday, March 21, 2025, from 10-10:45 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, at 11 AM, all at St. Michael Catholic Church, 16400 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake, MN. Father Tom Walker will preside. Gary will be laid to rest at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Prior Lake V.F.W. Honor Guard.

Family and Friends may livestream the Mass by visiting St. Mike's Youtube.

Gary was born in Waterloo, Iowa, on June 19th, 1940. He was the youngest son born to Edward and Avilla Klein. He grew up with his older brother Dick, getting into mischief and giving his parents a run for their money.

One of Gary’s greatest joys was being a father. He cherished that role with his sons Scott and Mark. He instilled a love of sports in them while coaching their little league teams and cheering on every Minnesota sports team.

Gary was passionate about sports, spending over 40 years officiating countless basketball and football games. He earned the admiration of players, coaches, and colleagues for his commitment to fair play and love of the game.

Gary married the love of his life, Judy, on February 14th, 2004 on their favorite island, Isla Mujeres. They built their dream home on the 14th hole of the Wilds Golf Course and spent evenings watching sunsets, enjoying a fire at the fire pit, entertaining friends, and listening to Gary heckle the golfers.

Gary was a proud United States Army Veteran who served his country with honor and distinction. His military service was a testament to the values he held dear throughout his life. He served in the 4th Infantry Division and was a member of the Prior Lake American Legion. Gary spent his working years as a salesman and used his humor and genuine love of people to make a living. He never enjoyed sitting behind a desk; he was at his happiest when talking directly to those he spent time building relationships with.

Papa loved nothing more than spending time with his family and his many, many friends. He was generous to a fault, and was always the life of the party. He was an incredible chef and took his role of grill master quite seriously. Papa was also an avid golfer. While he has many stories from the course, his favorite had to be his hole in one, a feat few golfers achieve!

Gary and Judy shared a love of travel, including trips to Gull Lake and Isla Mujeres, with their close friends. The stories of their adventures and antics are legendary, and will live on forever. They were inseparable, finding pure happiness in each other and enjoying every moment they had together.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Judy; children, Scott (Heather) Klein, Justin (Schahara) Schultz, and Jessica (Joe) Fischer; grandchildren, Matthew, Payton, Lauren, Paige, Avery, Mason, and Evan; great-granddaughter, Brynn; brother, Richard (Rita) Klein; brother-in-law, Roger (Corrine) Brenke, sister-in-law, Barbara Palm; special nieces and nephews, and many close friends.

Gary is preceded in death by his son, Mark and parents, Edward and Avilla Klein.

Gary leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and dedication. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. He is so loved and so deeply missed.