Ted E. Klein

Ted Ervin Klein (Poppy), age 79, of Ionia, passed away April 15, 2026. He was born December 4, 1946, in Alpena, Michigan, to Merlin and Betty Klein. Ted graduated from Belding High School in 1965 and went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force beginning in 1966, including service during the Vietnam War. He was deeply proud to be an American and to have served his country. Prior to his military service, he worked at Belco in Belding, Michigan. Following his service, Ted built a long and dedicated career with the State of Michigan Department of Corrections, where he worked as a Master Electrician from 1987 until his retirement in 2010. Ted was a man who found joy in the outdoors, especially hunting and spending time with his family and friends. He loved sharing stories and spending time in the woods with those closest to him, including his daughter Tiffany, dear friend and brother-in-law Ron, his nephew Tim, and his longtime friend Carl. He especially cherished his trips out west hunting elk and mule deer, often alongside his brother, brothers-in-law, cousins, and on one memorable trip, his daughter Tiffany and grandson Eric joined him in Colorado. Known by many names—Ted, Tedder, and Teddy—his most cherished titles were “Dad” and “Poppy.” He loved his daughter Tiffany and granddaughter Emma with his whole heart and took great pride in being present for Emma’s basketball and volleyball games. He taught those he loved what it meant to be kind, supportive, and to love unconditionally. Ted was a gentle, generous man who could always bring a smile to your face and would do anything for anyone. With him, you always knew how deeply you were loved. He was preceded in death by his parents, Merlin and Betty Klein; his grandparents, Clara and Sidney LaFond, and Allen and Grace Klein; his brother, Daryl Klein; his beloved daughter-in-law, Lynn Stowell; and the love of his life, Sonja Klein, whom he is now reunited with. He is survived by his daughter, Tiffany and Jeff Stewart, his son, Todd (Christina) Klein; and his grandchildren, Emma Scoby, Connor, Gavin, and Julia Stewart, Kaci (Jason) Jones, and Eric (Keisha) Stowell, Victoria Jonker, Kali Klein, Jacob Klein, Zachary Davis. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Lilly, Madison, and Bella Jones; Gracin, Kaid, and Waylyn Stowell; and Ember Magsig. Ted is further survived by his siblings: Barbara (Jon) Luscombe, Deb (Ron) Hopkins, Duane (Sue) Klein, and Todd (Carol) Klein, Diane, Denise, Dawn Klein, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Poppy’s love, laughter, and stories will live on in all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 5-8 p.m. at the Lehman Funeral Home, 220 Rich Street, Ionia. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Eugene Batungbacal on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at S.S. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Ionia. Interment will be at Tuttle Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

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