Rudy Klein was born September 26, 1923 to Simon, Jr. and Emma (Hildebrand) Klein at their home east of Burke, South Dakota. He died March 21, 2012 at the age of 88 years.

Rudy was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He grew up on the family farm east of Burke and attended the Butte Valley School and Burke High School. He was drafted into the Army during World War II on June 26, 1945. His place of entry was Ft. Snelling, Minnesota and he took his basic training at Camp Fanning, Texas. He served at Berlin, Germany as a chauffer and as a guard and was discharged on November 22, 1946. After serving his country, he returned home to the family farm. He was united in marriage to Mildred Rosina Lindwurm on July 11, 1948 and to this union five children were born: Vernon, Deloris, Delbert, Karen and Dennis.

During Rudy's lifetime, he enjoyed farming, raising cattle, custom hay sledding and driving his Ford tractor. He served as a school board member at the Butte Valley School until the school closed and was on the Burke Civil Township Board. He worked at the Burke Lake as a park ranger for numerous years. He was a professional trapper and coyote caller. He trapped for himself and for others. He worked for the US Government with the Badger Experiment Program. He drove school bus for the Burke School District for 35 years until he retired.

Rudy was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Burke. He was also a member of the VFW Post #9950 and a life member of the American Legion Post #0220. Rudy enjoyed trapping, fishing and hunting. He enjoyed telling stories and playing jokes along with his twin brother, Reuben. He also enjoyed listening to his brothers, Melvin and Milo, playing polka music. He enjoyed driving the school bus and listening to all of the kids' stories. Most of all, he enjoyed his children and watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up.

Rudy is survived by his wife and best friend, Mildred of Herrick, SD; his children: Vernon (Diane) of Herrick, SD; Delbert (Patricia) of Herrick, SD; Karen Klein of Herrick, SD; and Dennis (Marilyn) of Burke, SD; his grandchildren: Kim (Brad) Vosika of Burke, SD; Kevin (Pam) Klein of Broken Bow, NE; Carleen (Randy) Baumgartner of Reliance, SD; Leland (Alicia) Klein of Sioux Falls, SD; Calvin (Erica) Klein of Mills, NE; Dulcie (Wade) Swan of Herrick, SD; Clint Sinkular of Tripp, SD; Jeff (Mandy) Sinkular of Mitchell, NE; Kiley Klein of Herrick, SD; Ross Klein of Burke, SD; and Stephanie Sinkular of Winner, SD; 11 great-grandchildren; his brothers: Melvin (Mayme) Klein of Norfolk, NE; and Milo (Mary) Klein of Herrick, SD; as well as several nieces, nephews and friends.

Rudy was preceded in death by his daughter, Deloris Marie Sinkular; his granddaughter, Brandy Jean Klein; his twin brother, Reuben; an infant brother; and his father and mother.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 10:30 AM at Grace Lutheran Church in Burke. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery, Burke. There will be a prayer service on Friday at 7:00 PM at the church. Visitation will be one hour prior to both services at the church. .