Maurice “Mike” Kline, 82

A lifelong Mendon resident, Maurice “Mike” Kline, Sr., died Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009 following a long illness.  Mike was born on Jan. 9, 1927 to Otto and Ada (Mumby) Kline.  He was a member of the Mendon High School Class of 1944.  After graduation Mike served in the U.S. Army where he was among the first occupants of Japan at the end of WWII.  He was commissioned a lieutenant at discharge.  Upon his return from the military he attended Ferris State University and continued to serve in the National Guard for several years.  Mike spent most of his working career in the road contracting business.  While owner and president of Kline construction he was involved with the building of several notable projects including US-131 near Petoskey , M-72 near Alpena, and I-65 in Indiana.  Mike was president of Wyatt Excavating in Three Rivers and retired from that business in 1980. 

Mike served as a Mendon Village Council Member for over 25 years.  He also served as the St. Joseph County Drain Commissioner and on the St. Joseph County Parks and Recreation Board.  Mike was a past member of the Michigan Road Builders Association; the Three Rivers Elks Club; the Mendon V.F.W. Post #4898;  the Mendon Masonic Lodge F & AM #137;  the Mendon Kiwanis Club; and was a lifetime member of the Mendon United Methodist Church.

Mike was married to Ramona Miller on Sep. 16, 1951.  She survives along with 5 sons,

Maurice “Mike” (Melissa) Kline, Jr.,  Steve (Julie) Kline,  Tim (Mindy) Kline, Jeff (Jennifer) Kline all of Mendon and Scott Kline of Allegan;  16 grandchildren, Craig (Stephanie), Andy, Kelly, Ryan, Rachel, Nikki, Brett, Chad, Jamie, Britta, Kailey, Lyndsie, Nicholas, Cody, Ciera, and Carissa; 1 brother, Robert (Genevieve) Kline; and several nieces and nephews;  He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto & Ada (Mumby) Kline; and a grandson, Kevin Kline.

Cremation has been conducted.  Visitation will be held at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009 from 2 to 4p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.  Memorial services will 11 a.m. Monday at the Mendon United Methodist Church with Pastor Ward Pierce officiating.  The family will receive friends in the social room of the church following services.  Memorials may be directed to the Mendon United Methodist Church.  Online register is available and condolences may be left at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com