Charles Kline, Sr

Charles R. Kline, Sr., 91, of Lafayette, passed away on Friday October 4, 2013 at Creasy Springs Health Care Center.
Born on December 11, 1921 in Lafayette, he was the son of the late Forrest S. and Gertrude Tjepkema Kline. He graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School in 1940. Charles served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from September 1, 1942 thru July 5, 1945 an Aviation Machinist Mate 2nd Class.
He married Rita Aschenberg on May 8, 1943 in Lafayette at St. Boniface Catholic Church Rectory. She preceded him in death on January 5, 2002.
Charles worked for the city of Lafayette Fire Department from December 1, 1956 until his retirement on February 1, 1977. He also worked at Purdue University in the Audio Visual Department from September 27, 1966 until he retired on January 6, 1984.
Charles was a member of St. Mary Cathedral Church and a life member of the DAV and the VFW, as well as a member of the American Legion.
He was an avid vegetable gardener, took great pride in the care of his lawn, loved to mushroom hunt, and worked the daily crossword puzzle.
Surviving are a son, Charles R. Kline, Jr. (wife Pat) of Oldsmar, FL.; four daughters, Karen Brand, Patricia "Patty" Slayton (husband Carl), Linda Franklin and Terry Taylor (husband Steve) all of Lafayette, IN. He was preceded in death by siblings Helen Kline Heindel and Forrest S. "Bud" Kline, Jr. a son-in-law, Ronald J. Brand, Sr. and a daughter-in-law, Pamela J. Kline. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, Devon Fox, Stacy Rayman (Mark), Ronald J. "RJ" Brand, Jr., Katrina Simerly (Joseph), Christopher Brand (Kimberly), Erik Franklin (Danielle), Ginger Miller (Erik), Tammy Middleton (Bill), Jason Aldridge and ten great-grandchildren, Justin Fox, Andrew, Briana & Caleb Rayman; Dru & Emilee Franklin, Ella & Clay Miller, Liam Simerly and Christina Brand.
Friends may call at the Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home, 1104 Columbia St. from 5 until 8 PM Tuesday, with Rosary Service at 4:45 PM and the FIreman's Last Alarm Service at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary's Cathedral 10:30 AM Wednesday, Fr. Jeff Martin officiating, followed by interment in Tippecanoe Memory Gardens, with American Legion Post 11 military rites. Memorial donations may be made in his name to St. Mary Cathedral Church. Memories and condolences may be left at www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com