Funeral Details

The world is a little less funny without Steve Klein to make us laugh, in person, or on Facebook.

Being friends with Abby since I moved to the neighborhood at three years old, the Kleins were like a second family to me. I may have spent more time in their home then my own at that time. Mr. Klein took me to my first and subsequent countless Cubs games (sorry the fandom didn't catch on for me, but glad he witnessed them win the World Series); so many shopping trips to Northbrook Court - where Abby always got more money from him then my parents ever gave to me to squander away at Claire's; various trips everywhere -- even better when in that Volkswagen Rabbit (?).

The Kleins had the most impressive encyclopedia set (World Book -- I can still see it in my head) making it easy to tell my own parents I *had* to go there to do my homework when I just wanted to go there to do anything but homework. Theirs was the first house where I played on a computer. He showed me how to play some computer game on the old CRT (?) screen with a series of 5" floppy disks. I spent a LOT of time in the Klein house. I never heard him raise his voice. He was always calm, incredibly patient and rational. Always ready with a compliment. And really just a super dad, to even us friends of his kids.

I'm so grateful to social media for reconnecting me with him. He's literally made me laugh out loud more times then I can count. His wit was unmatched. And he'll always live on in my memories. So many of them for a just a kid down the street.

Recently, when visiting him, Abby asked if he knew who I was. "Kimmy Polka Klein," he said. I'll never forget that. Or him.

My heart is breaking for you Jewel, Abby, Margot and Tammy. And for everyone else who mourns his loss. But oh how lucky we all were to have had him touch our lives. He really was one in a million. I really just wanted you guys to know that he's truly made an impact -- even if decades ago -- on me that will be everlasting.

Kimberly Polka