Ralph (Bud) Howard Klein 94 years old of Atlanta MI (formerly of Pigeon, MI), passed away peacefully at home on Saturday March 15, 2025.

Ralph (Bud) was born on September 9,1930, in Loud Township, Atlanta MI, to Howard and Neva (Graves) Klein. On June 19, 1954, he married his high school sweetheart Geraldine (Gerry) Briley.

Bud graduated from Atlanta High School 1949, he then spent 2 years working on a Great Lakes freighter until he was drafted into the Army.  He served as a Sargent in the Korean War, he was an artillery mechanic stationed in Korea.

After the war he moved to Pigeon where he was a licensed master plumber working for Shetler Plumbing and Heating for 35 years. While raising his family he was involved in Lions Club, he was a lifetime member of the VFW, he enjoyed participating on a bowling league, baseball and blooper ball teams, played hockey and was an active member of First United Methodist Church.  After moving back to Atlanta, Michigan, he worked for Gilchrist Mechanical until he retired. He lived in the home he was raised in where he had a large garden and orchard, which he enjoyed sharing with family and friends, and he was an active member of the Atlanta Congregational Church. Ralph and his family made maple syrup each spring, and he welcomed everyone who was interested to come and learn the process.  He was an active member of the Turkey Federation; he made rhubarb wine and loved playing cards.

He was avid outdoorsman; hunting, fishing, trapping, planting food plots for deer and turkey, teaching and passing on his values and love of the outdoors and preserving the land and resources for future generations.

He was a man who always had a "Project" which somehow became everybody's project.

Ralph (Bud) is survived by his wife of 70 years Geraldine (Gerry); children Linda (Frank) Gorkowski of Filion, Steven (Kim) Klein of Pigeon, daughter-in-law Nancy Klein of Interlochen, MI; grandchildren Jessica Klein, Jason (Jessica) Klein, Lindsay (Steve) Fetterhoff, Nathon (Shelly) Klein, Matthew (Jennifer) Klein, Joshua (Adrienne) Klein, Janelle (Jeremy) Gorkowski, Jacob (Katie) Gorkowski, Ashley (Scott) Curtis, Kyle Gorkowski, Isabella (Kiefer) Thies; great-grandchildren Riley, Dawson, Alexis, Kaitlyn, Ethon, Isabella, Olivia, Daniel, Ross, Maxx, Lennox, Jackson, Monroe, Oakley, Tyler, Hannah, Owen, Abigail, Caleb, Gwendolyn, Emmett, Lena, Lance; great-great-grandchildren Leo and Piper. Siblings Virgil (Ellen) Klein, Doris Klein, Lyle (Gladys) Klein. In-laws Bill Gardner, Marlene (Bill) Harrison, Valerie Briley, Barbara Briley; and cherished nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ralph was preceded in death by his sons Marvin Klein and Philip Klein; parents Howard and Neva (Graves) Klein; father and mother-in-law Carl and Isabelle (Mulholland) Briley; sister and brother-in-law Lois and Bob Weborg; brothers-In-law James Briley, Theodore Briley; sister-in-law Carla Gardner; cherished nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family wishes to thank A&D Hospice for all of the heartfelt care they provided. Special thank you to Sheila, Debbie, Heather, Randall, Jennifer and Angelina for all of their special attention.

Cremation has taken place and the family will have a graveside service at a later date.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com