Robert Donald Klein, 87, of Owatonna, died Saturday, December 18, 2010 at Owatonna Hospital. He was born September 23, 1923 in Owatonna, Minnesota the son of Hans and Catherine (Behrends) Klein. Robert attended country school prior to attending Lincoln Elementary School and graduated from Owatonna High School in 1941. He enlisted in the US Marine Corps June 11, 1941. He served in the Marines for 4 1/2 years. While in the service, he was in Samoa, Guadal Canal, New Hebrides, Fiji, Aukland and Wellington, New Zealand, Tarawa, Hawaii and San Francisco. While hospitalized in New Zealand, he met Eleanor Roosevelt. Robert was medically honorably discharged December 1, 1945 as a Corporal. He had been injured three times in battle and was awarded three Purple Hearts, one which was given by Admiral Nimitz. Robert worked as a die cutter for Jostens from 1946 until retiring in 1985. He was united in marriage to Ethel M. Ebenhoh on June 22, 1947 in Claremont. He was a life member of the VFW and disabled American Veterans. Robert was also a life member and former board member of the Owatonna Gun Club and a member of the American Legion and Minnesota Pheasants. For many years he helped provide gun safety training for kids. Robert loved hunting and fishing. He delivered Meals on Wheels for several years and served as an Honor Guard for deceased veterans for over 30 years. Ethel preceded him in death on October 18, 2005. He is survived by three daughters, Judy (and Charles) Dewey of Owatonna; Jean (and James) Gleason of Owatonna; Robin Stoker of New Brighton; seven grandchildren, Andy Dewey, Matthew (and Comfort) Dewey; Nathan Gleason; Nicole (and Joshua) Grube, Natalie Gleason (and Chad Thompson); Megan Goodwin; Sean Stoker; six great grandchildren, Elia Dewey; Tyler Dewey; Lucy and Cora Grube; Hailey and Alana Goodwin; a sister, Laura Moe of Nebraska; and several nephews and nieces. Robert loved his family with all his heart and enjoyed being with them all at many family gatherings. He will be dearly missed. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel, an infant son, Mark, two sisters and four brothers. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 21, 2010 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and one hour prior to the service in the church. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at 11:00 AM at United Methodist Church with The Reverend James Oberg officiating. Interment will be in the St. John Cemetery, Owatonna. Military honors will be provided by the Steele County Military Funeral Unit. Memorials are preferred to Toys For Tots, Owatonna Gun Club Youth Activities, Homestead Hospice House or donor''s choice. Visitation: 12/21/2010 16:00 12/21/2010 19:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service in the chruch 12/22/2010 11:00