Arvid Klein

Arvid Allan Klein was the second son of John and Tena (Holturp) Klein. John and Tena were from Iowa and relocated to Michigan after getting married. His father was a truck driver and eventually opened a family restaurant, Klein’s Kitchen. His mother was a homemaker but also worked in food service, Meijer Deli/Bakery, Klein’s Kitchen, and ended her career working at Steelcase in the cafeteria. Arvid’s father died from injuries related to a home fire in 1976. His mother lived to 97 and eventually passed from complications related to dementia.

Arvid was one of 3 boys – his brothers Norm (oldest) and Larry (youngest). He talked about him and his brothers getting into trouble together but that he did not get caught and when his brothers did, they never told on him. The family lived in Grand Rapids and enjoyed family vacations camping.

He graduated from South Christian High where he was in the band and played basketball. Arv joined the National Guard after High School with 6 months of active duty to return home and serve monthly thereafter. He played in the National Guard Band performing around the Grand Rapids area. He was very proud of the band, playing the trombone, and always enjoyed marching band music.

Arvid was a hard worker even as a young boy. He started with a paper route and added routes, hiring younger boys to deliver the papers so he could grow his business and earn enough money to buy his first car just before turning 16.

He began his career in the food industry working in a local produce store until he started @ Meijer quickly working his way into the operations side of the business. Eventually transferred out of the Grand Rapids area warehouse to help open a warehouse in the Lansing area to serve the expanding service area stores. He ended his career at Sysco Food Service as the Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Operations. Employees that worked for Arvid would tell you he had high expectations but was always fair.

Arvid was introduced to his wife Linda by her sister, Barb. Their first date was bowling which is something they eventually did together each week in a league. They were married in July 1961. They attended Ideal Christian Reformed Church for many years where they developed many close friendships and enjoyed playing softball on the women’s and men’s church teams.

They spent a lot of time with family; lived next door to Linda’s parents for many years and had close relationships with Linda’s siblings, Judy (Bill) Rich (Judy), Barb, Mike (Carol), as well as many nieces and nephews. Yearly hunting trips with his father-in-law, brother in laws, and nephews was a tradition he was happy to be part of!

They raised 3 daughters together, Sara, Lois, and Amy. His daughters were his pride and joy. He always “complained” about being a dad of 3 girls and how hard it was to be the only man in the house but really he loved it. He spent a lot of time with his girls when they were young; played games, taught them to fish, play softball and practice basketball. It did not matter what his girls needed, if he could help, he would. This was true of not just his own children but their high school friends also knew he would be there for them too. All were welcome and all knew they could ask for help when needed. He also taught his girls about responsibility, hard work, commitment, and loyalty. It was important to him to instill a solid work ethic.

Family vacations were mostly spent camping at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park. It was a yearly highlight with family and friends spending weeks at the campground each summer. He would commute to work so the family could stay longer than his vacation time would allow.

In retirement Arvid and Linda enjoyed spending winters in Fort Myers FL where they owned a condo. They enjoyed hosting any family who came to visit. Eventually his daughters convinced him that a yearly trip with “just his girls” would be a fun way to spend a long weekend which eventually grew into a week long yearly adventure full of shenanigans.

Living on a golf course was the highlight of Arvid’s winters in Florida. He loved to golf and played multiple times a week all winter. He even boasted about being in the hole in one club, not just once but 3 times. Even with dementia, he could tell you all about Olde Hickory Golf Course including where the traps and water were as well as par for each hole.

He really enjoyed taking his grandkids golfing both in Florida and Michigan. He was very competitive, so the grandkids could start from the red tees until they out drove him one time and then they had to move back. It was always everyone’s goal to beat him! In fact, there was always competition of some kind, corn hole, “horse” basketball, ping pong, or pool - did not matter what it was - he was a competitor for the win!

Arv took great pride in caring for their home in Michigan Summers included weekly golf with a league and his brother. Hosting Monday pool parties for his daughter and friends with their 25 kids in total. He was always sure to heat the pool and have everything ready for the crew. He would even treat the moms with a run to Starbucks. Arv and Linda also hosted the annual Fennema Reunion on the 4th of July - the highlight of their summer. Arv would spend days preparing the yard and pool for the festivities.

He was very proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren! His grandchildren are Jessica, Donna (Taylor), James, Jenn (James), Matt, Kyleigh, Josh, Tylor, Dylann (Adam), Caleb (Molly). His great grandchildren include Gavin, Conner, Sawyer, and the newest addition to the family, Beckham.

Arvid battled dementia in his final years. We are grateful for a close family friend, Lu Ann who served as an in-home aid for almost a year prior to his moving into Memory Care. Their relationship was definitely a special one. In Memory care, he enjoyed his daily activities, especially the reading and math “competitions”. We offer a special thanks to his caregiver, Keylyn, the other Covenant staff, and the Emanuel Hospice team who helped with his care in his final weeks. We are deeply grateful for their thoughtful, dignified, grace filled care.

Arvid A. Klein, age 82, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 31, 2025 while in the company of his family.

He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1942 to the late John and Tena Klein. Along with his parents, Arvid is preceded in death by his son-in-law Marc Sullivan.

Arvid is survived by his wife of 64 years, Linda [Fennema] and their three daughters, Sara McGinnis, Lois (Mike) Meppelink and Amy (Jeff) Hodgkinson as well as by his grandchildren, Jessica, James, Donna (Taylor), Jenn (James), Matt, Kyleigh, Josh, Tylor, Dylann (Adam) and Caleb (Molly), four great-grandchildren and brothers Norm (Arvilla) Klein and Larry (Barb) Klein.

An event to celebrate his life, with a reception following, will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt-Shawmut Chapel, (2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW., Grand Rapids, MI 49504). Arvid's family will receive visitors for visitation prior beginning at 12 PM. Please consider making a memorial contribution in Arvid's memory to Emmanuel Hospice, (401 Hall St. SW, Suite 263, Grand Rapids, MI 49503).