Charles Klein
October 15, 2008
After a period of declining health, Aaron Leo "Chuck" Klein died at 9:50 a.m. the morning of October 15th. His devoted daughter at his side. Some weeks before, Chuck had shared with her he was "anxious to see what heaven was like".
Aaron, the son of Meyer and Hilda Klein, was born May 30th, 1924 in New York and raised in New Jersey. He attended Rutgers University where he studied journalism. He had also begun studies to become a cantor when he joined the war effort of WWII. He served as a war journalist and shared the task of editing the Nuremburg trials for release to the syndicated press.
He journeyed west to Des Moines to work as a copy editor for the Register and Tribune. It was while working at the paper he met and married his wife, Kaye. It is also where he was to become known as Chuck Klein, a nickname bestowed by the managing editor that stuck the rest of his life.
Chuck then began a career in retail-advertising. While working at Glicks Furniture store in Columbus, Ohio he was named National Advertiser of the year. He had a quick wit and great sense of humor.
Chuck returned to the paper to work another 18 years as a copy editor with the Des Moines Tribune, taking an early retirement when the evening paper ceased publication.
During his life in Des Moines, Chuck was a member of Central, St. John and St. Mark Lutheran Churches. He worked tirelessly for his family providing them with all the good things they required while never asking for anything in return. He was a highly principled man of good character and exceptional intellect.
Chuck loved classical music, which he could identify within the first few notes, and tobacco pipes. He possessed a scholarly knowledge of pipes and their manufacturers. Chuck was happiest visiting a pipe shop hunting for an exceptional "old briar" piece whose quality had been overlooked and subsequently was on sale.
The last several years of his life were spent in Santa Rosa, California where his daughter, Kathy watched over him with love and tenderness. Much to her delight.
In addition to his daughter, Aaron also leaves his son, Gregory Aaron leaves a son Gregory and daughter-in-law Susan, a grandson Kristopher, and his younger brother Paul to celebrate his life. Kaye, Chuck's wife of 50 years preceded him in death, as did two brothers, Yale and Joseph.
The family will greet friends from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, October 24, 2008 at Hamilton's Funeral Home, 605 Lyon St. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, October 25, 2008 at the funeral home followed by burial at the Winterset Cemetery in Winterset, Iowa. Hamilton's
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com