Sol Klein

        Sol Klein passed away at Javon Bea Hospital on February 22, 2025, at the age of 89.  He was born November 28, 1935, in Jamaica, New York, to Estelle (nee Hoffman) and Max Klein. He had some interesting stories of his childhood in the Lower East Side of New York City with his four brothers, Paul, Joey, Marty, Herman, and a sister, Barbara. 

        He served in the United States Army from 1956-1958 where he learned to play poker and earned money by lifting the rear ends of jeeps off the ground. He was honorably  discharged in Chicago and remained living in the area where he started several floor covering businesses.  

        Sol began his passion for the sport of  bodybuilding as a teen which led him to numerous competitions, and titles, including placing third in Mr. America, and ending as the first place holder of the Master Mr. Universe competition, over 50 division. 

        He and his wife of 51 years, Mary (nee Hasek), have lived in the rural Harvard area since 1974.  He is survived by his wife, his brother Joey, and his children Paul Klein, Michelle (Peter) Hillyer, Kristy (Jeff) Niederkorn, Adam (Rebecca) Klein, Rachel (Travis) Walters, Jaffe (Bryan) Wojcik; and his grandchildren, Marley Klein, Jackson and Jace Klein, Kyle and Shaye Hillyer, Katie and Jonny Niederkorn, Olivia, Logan and Vivian Klein, Ben and Brook Walters, Grace, Levi and Michael Wojcik. 

        In Sol’s retirement years he became a skilled carpenter and renovated countless homes in the area in order to make the world a more beautiful place. In doing so, he now holds the unofficial title for owning the area's largest number of drywall spatulas and roller frames. He was known around town by his famous ruler suspenders. In his memory, please enjoy a donut, a cup of coffee, and a scratch off lottery ticket.

        The memorial gathering will be from 10 AM until the 11 AM Celebration of Life on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Immanuel United Church, 111 Fremont St., Walworth, WI 53184.  Following the Celebration of Life, there will be a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall.

        In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Big Foot Emergency Food Pantry, 111 Fremont St., Walworth, WI 53184.

        Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.saundersmcfarlin.net.

        Call Saunders and McFarlin Funeral Home for more information at 815-943-5400.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.