Dennis John Klein was born on January 20, 1943, in Fredericksburg to Rita and Harry Klein- who Dennis lost early in his years to the war. He was raised in Fredericksburg by his mother and stepfather, Ruben Koenig, and attended school there. It was during those early years that he met the love of his life, Phyllis Elaine Kaiser Klein. Their love story began young and lasted a lifetime, soon after uttering the eternal oath of “I do” on October 12, 1963.
During his youth, before attending Texas State University, Dennis was known to be a menace on the streets of small town Fredericksburg. He had the hottest car on main street, tearing up the asphalt in the car he built himself, showcasing his skills early on in life. He was known to have the fastest car of all the kids, and Dennis was sure to continue to test the old Corvette engine he installed against any sucker that would be willing to lose.
Dennis soon after attended Texas State University, and, while studying, began his tenure at Wide-Lite, where he dedicated 43 years of his hard work and loyalty. He and Phyllis made their home in San Marcos, where they built a family together and where Dennis remained for the rest of his days.
A man of remarkable intelligence, quiet strength, and endless capability, there seemed to be nothing he could not build, repair, or figure out.
With his own hands, he added onto their first home in downtown San Marcos, later building the home where he and his family made so many memories. He took pride in doing things himself, always with patience, care, and determination.
He had such an incredible memory and an eye for detail that amazed everyone who knew him. From remembering exact part numbers from his Career at Wide-Lite years after leaving- when some “rookie” or “bone head” would have to call and disturb the old man’s retirement, or locating the smallest tool in his shop, Dennis always seemed to know where everything belonged. We can still hear him pestering us to put things right back where we found them.
His shop was a reflection of who he was-organized, dependable, and prepared for almost anything, with backups and redundancies all around. If someone needed advice, a tool, or a solution, Dennis was the one they called. His daughters will deeply miss being able to pick up the phone, ask Dad a question, and know he would have the answer. It was always good to know those Natational-Geographic subscriptions over the years were not just coffee table decorations and never a waste of money with ol’ Dennis around to pick up, read, and teach you a thing or two.
Dennis also had a unique way of making life memorable – Like the time he came home with a turkey he had “rescued” from the side of the road after it fell from a truck on his drive home from work. Stopping traffic to save the dazed and confused feathered friend, only for it to come back to its senses flopping and squawking in the passenger seat of his old Black and White Chevy pickup. After a looney-tunes-esque battle on the drive, Dennis brought it home, bearing his mischievous grin and proudly announcing to the house “guess what we are having for thanksgiving!” -creating a family story that has been told for years, along with one of the best turkeys they ever ate.
How about when Dennis and Phyllis teamed up to make a Christmas miracle come true; the year the Grinch himself wore Santa’s Clothes, keeping his Grandsons Christmas Spirit alive for a few more years. At the time, the house was in such disbelief that you could have gotten the man into that costume without threat of bodily harm or blackmail, but Dennis was the type of man who would never do anything he didn’t want to do, and the laughter they shared that night was worth more than any present under the tree, even for years to come.
Another time, as a showcase of his miraculous determination and foresight, he brought home an old army jeep in what looked like a thousand separate pieces only to patiently rebuild it until it ran again.
That was Dennis-someone who could see possibilities where others saw only parts.
Though often quiet and serious on the outside, Dennis had a sharp, relentless, and unexpected sense of humor. He could deliver a joke so subtly that it caught people off guard, and those who worked with him knew well his dry wit and playful humor.
More than anything, Dennis will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend-a man whose love was shown through what he built, what he fixed, what he provided, and the steady and ever reliable presence he gave to those around him.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Phyllis Klein; his daughters, Stephanie Malott and husband David, and Wendy Klein; his grandson, Andrew Joseph Vero and his girlfriend, Sayble Cardenas; and Adriana Malott Galdamez, widow of his grandson Justin David Malott, along with her family. He is also survived by his brothers, Shannon Klein and wife Myrtle, Charlie Koenig and wife Dorris, Donnie Koenig and wife Pam; his sister, Marcella Grubbs; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Justin David Malott.
He leaves behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, and the kind of love that was often shown quietly-but always deeply felt.
Graveside Services and Entombment of his cremains will be held on Wednesday April 15th at 2:00 p.m. in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery with Deacon Pat Klein officiating.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Saint Mary’s School Endowment Fund, the American Cantor Society, or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are by the Schaetter Funeral Home
Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.schaetter.com
This obituary was published by Schaetter Funeral Home.
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