Joan M. Klein

Joan “Joanie” Klein (née Benz) passed away in La Crosse, WI on June 26, 2020 at the age of 72 after a courageous battle with cancer for several years.

Joan was born on March 3, 1948 in St. Louis, MO, to Vincent E. Benz and Loretta M. Hodgens. She graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1966 and moved to La Crosse, WI, in the early '70s. Joan began working for Trane Company in the mid '80s. She married Joseph Klein in 1991.

Joan is survived by her children, Laura Kwiatkowski and Christina (Scott) Waltman; grandchildren Stephen and Zach Schams (Laura Kwaitkowski); siblings, Patty (Al) Meyer and Judy (Bob) Sullentrop. Joan’s nieces and nephews were also very special to her. She was preceded in death by her parents Vincent and Loretta and husband Joseph.

Joan enjoyed spending time with the ones she loved, whether it was playing board games or making pancakes for any meal. Joan's greatest joy was to attend her grandson’s various activities such as musicals, show choir events, basketball games, baseball games, and golfing events.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude’s at http://www.stjude.org.