Melvin Emmett Klein of Hood River, Oregon died January 10th, 2017 in The Dalles, Oregon at Mid Columbia Medical Center. He died from complications of pneumonia at the age of 96.

He was born to Edward Klein and Eleanor (Nora) Wunder Klein in Henry, Illinois on January 6th, 1921. His father was a butcher and farmer while his mother was a homemaker. Melvin attended St. Mary’s Catholic school in Henry, Illinois. He enlisted in the Marine Corps soon after Pearl Harbor and served 4 years. A machine gunner, he fought in the Pacific and survived the battles of Guam and Iwo Jima. After the war he was discharged from service as a Corporal and distinguished himself as an Expert Marksman.

When he returned from the war, he traveled West and stopped in Hood River to visit a Marine buddy. There he met the love of his life, Irene Annabel Phillips. They were married August 12, 1950.

Along with raising his family with Irene, carpentry and farming were his life’s work. His faith was an important part of his life.

Hunting, fishing, skiing, playing cards and telling stories were his passion.

Irene and Mel were married for 48 years and had 5 children who survived him. Christina and husband Conrad Nielsen, Mark Klein and wife Deborah, Cecilia and husband Dan Maciak. Kathryn Klein and husband Brad Fowler. Teresa and husband Greg Simurdak.

Grandchildren; Heidi Nielsen, Julie Hughes, Justin Cherrington, Jessica Miller, Mario Guisto, Kathryn Gidley, Tony Guisto, Kristoff Fowler.

Great Grandchildren; Olivia Combe, Nora Combe, Ethan Miller, Eli Miller, Kate Gidley and Victoria Guisto.

Melvin was proceeded in death by his loving wife Irene in July of 1999.

He later met and married Esther Fioretti who passed away in 2014.

He was proceeded in death by two brothers Elmer Klein and Donald Klein.

He is survived by his sister Justine and husband Melvin Budd from Lacon, Illinois and many loving nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations can be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hood River.

A rosary and viewing was, Friday, January 13, 2017 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (1501 Belmont Ave., Hood River, Or. 97031). Service for Melvin was held, Saturday, January 14, 2017 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (1501 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon). A graveside service will be held for Melvin at 11am, Friday, February 17, 2017 at Pine Grove Butte Cemetery (2687 Van Horn Dr., Hood River, Or. 97031).

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.