Leonard Joseph Kline

Leonard Joseph Kline, 84, of Aberdeen, passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2020, surrounded by the people for whom he prayed daily.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 20, 2020, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 409 2nd Avenue NE, Aberdeen, with Father Michael Griffin, Celebrant.

Burial will take place at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Cemetery in Leola, SD at a later date.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements.  

Visitation will be 4-5 p.m., Sunday, at the mortuary, with a liturgical wake service and rosary at 5:00 p.m.  

Family and friends may sign Leonard’s online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Leonard Joseph Kline was born April 9, 1935, to Walter and Elizabeth (Stephan) Kline in Leola, SD.  This is the area in which he was raised and educated.

Leonard was united in marriage to Caroline Geffre on October 2, 1961, in Leola.  To this union, three children were born:  Rhonda Katherine, Mary Elizabeth, and Ricky Allan.

Leonard began employment with Gage Brothers Concrete/Jensen Rock and Sand in Aberdeen in 1964 and worked there his entire career.  He retired in 2005.  Following retirement, Leonard enjoyed volunteering his time at Avera St. Luke’s as a greeter in patient services.  

Being Catholic was very important to Leonard.  His daily prayer life and devotion to his faith had a very calming and peaceful effect for him and his family during his final days on earth.  Leonard also enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in athletics – he loved the Roncalli Cavaliers.  One of his favorite parts of the day was going to Sammy’s Restaurant to visit with the friendly people who always greeted him by name.

Leonard is survived by his wife of 58 years, Caroline Kline of Aberdeen; his daughter, Rhonda (Scott) Dell and their children, Ryan Dell and Darren (Madeline) Dell, all of Aberdeen; his son, Rick (Patty) Kline and their children:  Jordan (Chelsey) Kline and  Justin Kline of Aberdeen and Hailey Kline of Vermillion, SD; two great-grandchildren, Harper Grace Kline and his namesake, Lennox “Lenny” Lee Kline, both of Aberdeen; two sisters:  Loretta Dylla of Bristol, SD and Julie Haiar of Marion, SD; his brother, Leo Kline of Aberdeen; his brother-in-law, Elmer Zulk of Aberdeen; and his sister-in-law, Clara Braun of Aberdeen.

Leonard was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Elizabeth; his parents, Walter and Elizabeth; and two sisters, Agatha and Rita.

If people wish to make a memorial gift, please direct them to the Aberdeen Catholic Foundation - Roncalli Student Tuition Assistance, 13 2nd Avenue SE - Suite #6, Aberdeen SD 57401.

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