Alois “Al” Klein, 87, Stevens Point, died Friday, Dec. 1, 2017, at his home under the care of Ministry Hospice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017, at Holy Spirit Parish. Rev. Thomas Lindner will officiate. Burial with full military honors will be at the Guardian Angel Cemetery. Friends and family will gather to share memories from 10 a.m. Wednesday until the time of service at the church.

He was born Jan. 14, 1930, in Stevens Point, the son of Frank and Johanna (Grzesiak) Klein. He graduated from P.J. Jacobs High School in 1947.

He served his country in the United States Army, enlisting with the Wisconsin National Guard Jan. 19, 1948, in Stevens Point. In 1959, he became the communications chief and held that position until becoming first sergeant in September of 1961. He was called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis in October of 1961. He took a discharge in October of 1962 but returned to the Guard in 1963 and resumed his position as communications chief.

He completed 30 years of service in May of 1978, honors earned include National Defense Service Medal, Wisconsin National Guard Service Ribbon with five, five-year devices, and the Army Commendation Medal.

He was married to Janice Zdrojewski April 21, 1951, at St. Peter Catholic Church.

He was the president and co-owner of Franks Hardware, where he worked for 51 years. He started with his father Frank, as a child, and in 1956, with his brother John, took over the store and co-ran it until retiring in 1992, when his sons took over the operation.

After retiring, the couple spent winters in Apache Junction, Ariz. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing at Lake Emily, and traveling all over the world.

He also belonged to various organizations throughout his life, including the 32nd Division Red Arrow Veteran Association, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and the Moose Lodge of Stevens Point.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Janice; their three sons, Eric (Linda) Klein, Alan (Rita) Klein and Mark Klein; granddaughters, Sarah (Greg) Duescher and Julie (Harry) Gleason; grandsons, Richard and Theodore Klein; great-grandchildren, Alexandria Klein and Lillian Gleason, and Jacob and Trevor Gleason; and three siblings, John Klein; Sr. Miriam Therese “Ginger” and Margaret “Midge” Drury.

He was preceded in death by one son, Nicolas; and three sisters, Grace, Zita and Marie.

The family would like to thank Ministry Hospice staff, especially nurse Megan, chaplain Mark and health aide Stephanie.

Online condolences may be offered at www.shudafuneral.com.