Joel Mahlon Klein

Joel Mahlon Klein, 81, of Cedar Falls, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Waterloo. Born in Quincy, Illinois, on July 3, 1944, he was the son of the Rev. William and Leone (Seehusen) Klein. Joel graduated from Tripoli High School with the Class of 1962. He worked for many years at Bremwood Children’s Home/SLI in Waverly while often holding part-time jobs as well. It was at the Broom Factory in Cedar Falls that he grew close to Marjorie West; the two became inseparable and shared 27 loving years together.

Joel had a natural talent for fixing things, which he taught himself as a young man by taking objects apart and putting them back together. He readily used those skills to help anyone who asked for a hand. Though he had no children of his own, he cherished a lifetime of strong family relationships. He found joy in the outdoors through gardening, beekeeping, skiing, and fishing, and he loved sitting on the swing with Marge watching the birds. Joel also enjoyed playing cards with family, especially canasta and golf—often serving as score keeper and frequently winning—as well as watching the History Channel and studying vitamins and herbs.

He is survived by his beloved Marge; Marge’s children, Deborah Rolbiecki, Pamela (Les) Schrock, Theresa (John) Lautenbach, Daniel (Tracy) West, and Christine (Rick) Gilbert, along with their extended and blended families; and his siblings, Cyril (Kathy) Klein, Retha (Ted Hirschey) Springer, and Deborah (Donald) Miller, and their extended and blended families. Joel was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Leroy (Liz) and Jonathan; Debbie’s husband, Allen Rolbiecki; and Marge’s great-grandson, Alex.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.