Paul T. Klein

Service : Sunday, September 6th at 2:30 pm
Service Location: Graveside Service
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights

Shiva Information

The family will not receive condolences following the service.

Contributions
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to
Fernwood Botanical Garden at
https://www.fernwoodbotanical.org/donate
or
to the Kurt & Tessye Simon Foundation
at Temple Beth-El in South Bend, IN at
https://www.tbe-sb.org/simon-foundation.

Paul T. Klein, 92, beloved husband of Natalie, nee Weinberg, for 61 wonderful years; loving father of Daniel Klein and Laura (Bryan) Tompkins; cherished Poppi of Eliana (Jason) Macanian, Elijah Klein, Avi Klein, Jacob Tompkins and Soren Tompkins; adored great Poppi of Yael Macanian; devoted son of the late Sylvia and Elmer Klein; dear brother of David (Evelyne) Klein and the late Stephen Klein; treasured uncle, cousin and friend of many.

Paul was born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1934. When his family moved to Highland Park, Illinois, it became the place he would grow up, be big brother, and begin the journey that would shape his remarkable life. He attended Highland Park High School and went on to Indiana University Bloomington, where he earned his degree in business.

At Indiana University, Paul was a proud member of ZBT fraternity, where he formed friendships that would last a lifetime. He also lettered in riflery, a reflection of both his dedication and his willingness to embrace the many experiences life offered him.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Paul enlisted in the United States Navy. Stationed in Japan, he took the opportunity to explore and appreciate the extraordinary beauty of the country around him. His curiosity and sense of adventure stayed with him throughout his life.

In 1964, a cousin introduced Paul to Natalie. Their connection quickly grew into a love affair, and they were married a year later in Winnetka, Illinois. In 1968, they moved to South Bend, Indiana, beginning a life together that would span six decades. Through all those years, they built a home filled with family, laughter and adventure.

Paul’s career as a sales representative for several furniture companies took him throughout Indiana and southern Michigan. He enjoyed the people he met along the way and had a natural ability to connect with others. Paul never seemed to meet a stranger. Whether in a business setting or simply going about his day, he had a way of talking with people and making them feel welcome.

In South Bend, Paul and Natalie became active and devoted members of the Jewish community and Temple Beth-El. Paul was especially dedicated to the temple’s Brotherhood, giving his time and energy for many years. His commitment to his community was an important part of who he was.

Paul found tremendous joy in the natural world. He had a lifelong love of gardening fostered by his mother Sylvia. He took great pride in growing flowers, particularly roses and dahlias. His beautiful dahlia blooms earned awards from the Elkhart Dahlia Society, but the real reward was the pleasure he found in putting his hands in the dirt and watching something grow. He also loved birdwatching and volunteered with the local Audubon Society, sharing his appreciation for the beauty and wonder of nature.

Above all, Paul was a devoted husband and father. He supported his children wholeheartedly, encouraging them to discover their own interests and passions. He was there for swim teams and away camps, music lessons and visual arts shows, always showing up with genuine pride. His support was never about telling his children who they should be; it was about giving them freedom to become who they were meant to be.

Paul had a wonderfully free spirit. He made his own wine, cultivated his garden, watched birds, explored the outdoors, enjoyed the Arts and never seemed afraid to try something new. He loved downhill skiing and cross-country skiing, always happiest when he was outdoors, experiencing the world firsthand.

He found happiness in life’s simple pleasures and had a particular gift for making an ordinary day memorable. He could strike up a conversation with a complete stranger, get his hands dirty every spring and fall digging up tubers, or appreciate the orchestra at Ravinia and the Chicago symphony. He was a avid Chicago cubs fan beginning at a young age hopping on the train to head to Wrigley Field! He continued to watch games into retirement and up until the day he passed.

But perhaps Paul’s greatest gift was his kindness. He carried an openness and warmth that made people feel comfortable around him. He believed in connecting with people, helping where he could, and treating others with generosity and respect.

He was a beloved husband, a curious adventurer, a nature enthusiast, and a kind and free-spirited soul.

Paul will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fernwood Botanical Garden at https://www.fernwoodbotanical.org/donate or to the Kurt and Tessye Simon Foundation at Temple Beth-El in South Bend, IN at https://www.tbe-sb.org/simon-foundation. Graveside service Sunday 2:30 PM at Shalom Memorial Park, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. For the link to virtually view the service and to leave condolences, please contact Shalom Memorial Funeral Home at www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.