William H. Kline

William (Bill) H. Kline, age 79, of Columbus, passed away peacefully at home after a long illness on January 26, 2024. He was born on April 24,1944 in Dayton, Ohio to the late Hubert and Elizabeth (Harris) Kline. Bill was a graduate of Centerville High School class of 1962. He proudly enlisted and served in the United States Marine Corps from 1964-1967 and received a National Defense Service Metal. He graduated from The University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Sciencein Business Administration in 1970.

He met his wife, Rita Sterner, on a blind date in November 1971 and the two were married April 21, 1973. They celebrated their 50th anniversary last year and enjoyed many great times with their children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends.

Bill was a retired salesman and worked for Lazarus and Levi’s 4 Floor selling furniture and flooring respectively. In his spare time, when he was healthy, he enjoyed tinkering with his model train set, taking evening walks in the park with his beloved wife, Rita, playing solitaire, taking trips to visit family in Florida and traveling with his daughter and son-in-law. He also enjoyed spending time with his children and 5 grandkids. He and Rita watched them frequently and enjoyed taking them to COSI, the Columbus Zoo, numerous parks, and eating at their favorite restaurants. He was an avid buckeye and Bengals fan and enjoyed watching football on the weekend. He also enjoyed attending Blue Jackets games. He was an eloquent speaker and wonderful storyteller, often telling stories of his time in the marines and his childhood adventures, in his rich baritone voice. He also had a great sense of humor and enjoyed playfully teasing and joking with his friends and family.

He is survived by his wife Rita Kline of Columbus, two children Katherine (Ryan) Hallowell of Columbus and James (Alissa) Kline of Bexley; his sisters, Kay Parkinson of Fort Meyers, Florida and Phyllis Chappo of La Grange, Ohio; his grandchildren Gavin Kline, Gabrielle Kline, William Kline, Eva Hallowell & Jack Hallowell; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters Margaret Kissel and Judy Kline; his mother-in-law Mary Sterner; his sister-in-laws, Mary Ellen Sterner, Catherine Sterner and Marjorie Vagnier; and brother-in-laws Charles Vagnier and David Parkinson.

Friends may call Monday February 5 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at Egan-Ryan Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 4661 Kenny Road where a Funeral Service will also be held at 1:00 p.m.  Burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Lewis Center.   

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Delay the Disease or the Lewy Body Dementia Association 

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