Joel Mahlon Klein

Joel Mahlon Klein, 81, of Cedar Falls, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Waterloo. He was born in Quincy, IL, on July 3, 1944, son of Rev. William and Leone (Seehusen) Klein. Joel graduated from Tripoli High School with the Class of 1962. He worked for Bremwood Children’s Home/SLI in Waverly for many years, but often kept a part-time job, as well. Joel grew close to Marjorie West when they worked together at the Broom Factory in Cedar Falls where he worked part-time, and the two have been inseparable for 27 years.

Joel is survived by his beloved Marge; Marge’s children: Deborah Rolbiecki, Pamela (Les) Schrock, Theresa (John) Lautenbach, Daniel (Tracy) West and Christine (Rick) Gilbert; and their extended and blended families. He is also survived by 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.

Joel’s Funeral will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Nazareth Lutheran Church with Visitation the hour prior. Burial will follow at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery of Tripoli. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Nazareth Lutheran Church or to the Family.

When Joel was younger, he taught himself to fix things by taking them apart and putting them back together. Through the years, he used those skills to help anyone who ever asked for a hand. Though he didn’t have children of his own, Joel enjoyed a lifetime of strong family relationships. He enjoyed the outdoors through gardening, beekeeping, skiing, fishing and watching the birds while sitting on the swing with Marge. Joel loved to play cards with family, especially canasta and golf; preferring to be the score keeper – and he often won. Joel enjoyed the history channel and studying vitamins and herbs. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.