John D. Klein, 65 of Russell died Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

John was born October 12, 1944 in Perryton, Texas the son of Edward I. and Myrtle (Horn) Klein.  He grew up in Perryton until the age of 13 when his family moved to Wellington, Kansas.  He graduated from Wellington High School.  John then served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.  After his service to his country, he returned to Kansas and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Micro-Biology and Chemistry from Wichita State. 

John was united in marriage to Connie L. Rusch on October 19, 1987 in Russell, Kansas.

John was a sales representative for Miles laboratories in Kansas City, KS, Nalco Chemical in Great Bend, Sunrise Supply in Hays and Kincaid Pumping in Oklahoma City.  He worked in Security for the Kansas Geological Survey in Manhattan. John has lived the last 26 years in the Russell area.  But John was mainly a cowboy at heart.  He has raised horses for over 23 years.  He raised Belgian draft horses, Paints, Quarter horses, and also Doberman Pinchers.  He loved collecting old guns, spurs, saddles and old wagons.  John and Connie were involved with spring and fall calf brandings with the Rolling Hills Ranch where they would use their chuck wagon to cook the old fashion way.  He was also active with the Christmas Past at the old Fort Hays.

John was a member of the St. Frances of Assisi Catholic Church in Wichita and the C.O.W.B.O.Y. Association.

Surviving family include his wife of 22 years, Connie of the home; daughters, Tiffinie Mai and husband Monty and Tammie Becker and fiancé Greg Carey all of Russell, Kansas; and three grandchildren, Lane Mai, Braden Mai and Bailey Becker.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will be greeting friends from 2 PM to 4 PM Saturday, April 3, 2010 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.  Viewing will not take place because of cremation.  A memorial has been established as the John Klein Memorial Fund.  Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.  Condolences may also be sent via email at www.pvpmortuary.com.