A funeral will be held Friday, January 3, 2025 for 86-year-old Donald “Donnie” William Klein of Ste. Genevieve who passed away Friday, Dec. 27, 2024 at the Ste. Genevieve Care Center in Ste. Genevieve, Mo.
He was born January 9, 1938 in Ste Genevieve, Mo. a son of William Klein, Jr. and Frieda Klein who both preceded him in death.
Married 66+ years to Blanche (Dallas) Klein on May 3, 1958. She survives in Ste. Genevieve.
He is also survived by a son: Ronald “Ronnie” (Pam) Klein of Sainte Genevieve, Mo. and their children, Taylor (Doug) Worley and Ally (Kyle Daum) Klein; a son: Dennis (Barb) Klein of Manchester, Mo. and their children: Emily Klein and Brent (Becky) Klein with their children Henry and Eleanor; a son: Gary Klein of Sainte Genevieve, MO, and his daughter, Danielle Klein; a son: William “Billy” (Cindy) Klein of Sainte Genevieve, MO, and their children, Gavin Klein and Grant (Angie) Klein and their children, Hunter and Wyatt; a sister: Patricia “Pat” Bauman of Zell, Mo.; two brothers: Earl (Gerry) Klein of River Aux Vases, Mo., and Robert “Bob” (Darline) Klein of Zell, Mo.
He was also preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Arthur Bauman.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1037, Zell Area Jaycees, St. Louis Auto Racing Association Fan Club, Luna Local 829, Allied Auto Racing Association, and St. Joseph Men Sodality.
Donnie’s work career included 46+ years at Mississippi Lime Co., primarily in the Maintenance Department.
Donnie’s passion was auto racing which spanned 57 years over seven decades, 1956 through 2012. His racing career included over 550 feature race wins, multiple Track and Allied Championships, various Proclamations, induction into multiple Hall of Fame’s and being highlighted in many national magazines and other publications.
A funeral Mass for 86-year-old Donald “Donnie” William Klein of Ste. Genevieve will be held at St. Joseph Church in Zell Friday, January 3, 2025 at 10 a.m. followed by a graveside service at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in the niche.
Visitation will be held at the St. Joseph Catholic School Hall after graveside service until 3 p.m.
The clergy will be Rev. Ryan Weber.
In lieu of flowers, the family has kindly asked for planting a Memorial Tree through the Basler Funeral Home website in memory of Donnie to help with our nation’s forest.
Memorials may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council 1037, Zell Area Jaycees, or to St. Joseph Church at Zell.
Online condolences can be left at www.baslerfuneralhome.com