Michael Peter Klein1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20

M, b. 25 June 1915, d. 13 February 1989
FatherGeorge Peter Klein1,5,6,17,7,21,18,22,23,4,2 b. 8 Oct 1888, d. 23 May 1956
MotherEva Bierle1,5,6,24,17,7,21,18,4,2 b. 21 Jul 1893, d. 11 Jan 1967
Charts
Pedigree Chart of Michael Peter Klein
Michael Peter Klein in 1952
     Michael Peter Klein had the privilege of being the first child of George Peter Klein and Eva Bierle to be born in the United States and was there automatically an American citizen. He was born on 25 June 1915 at Arlington Heights, Cook County, Illinois.1,3,4,5,24,17,25,26,11,13,19 Michael was baptized on 27 June 1915 at Church of St. Mary, Des Plaines, Cook County, Illinois. His godparents were Statfeldt Bierle and his maternal aunt, Theresa Bierle.3,2 As the son of German speaking immigrants, Michael’s first language was German.27

Michael married Martha Susan Weaver on 28 May 1937 at Chicago. They seem to have separated early in the marriage since he was living as a lodger in the household of Romeo David in 1940. At that time, he was employed as an attendant in the recruiting project.9,28 Michael and Martha were divorced on 5 November 1945 at Chicago.20

Michael registered for the draft for World War II on 16 October 1940, while living at Chicago. On the draft registration, Michael was recorded as being 150 lbs and 5'5", with brown hair and eyes and a dark complexion. He resided at 162 W. Hill Street. Michael was employed by W.P.A. Project #30387 at Association House WPA in Chicago. His next of kin was given as his wife Martha.29

Before enlisting in the Army, Michael worked as a pressman for Esquire Magazine at Chicago.11

Michael began military service on 17 September 1948 at Chicago. During his stay in Germany, Michael met and fell in love with Elsbeth Maria Lappé. On his return to the United States in 1952, he was stationed at Fort Monmouth in Eatontown, New Jersey for a time.11,15,16 On 19 February 1952, Michael embarked on the S.S. Homeland in New York City bound for Hamburg, Germany. He was traveling on U.S. Army orders from Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver, Colorado and intended to remain in Germany for a period of three months.12 During his stay in Germany, Michael married Elsbeth Maria Lappé, daughter of Friedrich Lappé and Anna Tolksdorf, on 5 March 1952 at Frankfurt am Main, Germany.13,30,31,32,33,19

Michael was discharged from military service on 23 June 1952 at Fort Sheridan, Lake County, Illinois, as a Corporal. He served overseas for 2 years, 4 months and 6 days and was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal (Germany). On his discharge papers, he was described as being 5' 5 1/2" tall and 145 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes. His blood group was AB. His most significant duty assignment was given as Army and Holding Det. at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital at Denver, Colorado.11,15,34 His address was given as 3340 N. Leavitt Street in Chicago, which was his parent’s home. Photographic evidence in 1954 and 1955 suggests that Michael reenlisted soon after, and was stationed at Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey.11

In 1955, Michael and Elsbeth were back in Chicago and lived at 2945 N. Racine.19 Between 1962 and 1965, they lived at 4812 Foster Avenue, Chicago.35 Their next home, between 1965 and 1977, was at 1804 Almond Court, Mt. Prospect, Cook County, Illinois.35 He was employed at the Continental Plaza Hotel at Chicago as a bell captain. The hotel is now called The Westin.35

After moving to California to be near his siblings, Michael and Elsbeth lived at 6201 Amber Lake Ave, San Diego.36,18 Between 1978 and 1989, Michael was a bell captain at Morrison Hotel at San Diego.18

Michael died of myocardial infarction due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease and smoking on 13 February 1989 at Alvarado Hospital, San Diego, at age 73 years, 7 months and 19 days. He also suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.18,14,37,38 He was buried on 21 February 1989 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.18,16,39
Cemetery Marker of Michael Peter Klein and Elsbeth Maria Lappé in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery
Photograph by Karen Zander

Family 1: Martha Susan Weaver b. 28 Aug 1919, d. Mar 1994

Family 2: Elsbeth Maria Lappé b. 31 Jan 1925, d. 14 May 2000

Citations

  1. [S2476] Michael Peter Klein, Birth Certificate No. 4743 (Delayed),(25 June 1915).
  2. [S2722] Illinois, Chicago, Catholic Church Records, 1833-1925 Page 64 - Michael Klein - 27. Jun. 1915
    "Die 27 mensis Junii A.D. 1915
    baptizavi Michaelem Klein
    nat un die 24 mensis Junii A. D. 1915 ex
    Georgio Klein et Eva Bierli
    Patrini fuerunt Statfeldt et Theresa Bierli
    Adnotations: [ ]."
  3. [S2594] Certificate of Baptism, 27 June 1915, Michael Klein - 24/27 Jun 1915
    "Church of St. Mary, Des Plaines, Ill.
    This is to Certify
    That Michael Klein
    Child of George Klein
    and Eva Bierli
    born in Arlington Heights on the
    24th day of June 1915 was Baptized
    on the 27th day of Jun 1915
    According to the Rite of the Roman Catholic Church
    by the Rev. John Linden
    the Sponsors being Statfeldt Bierli
    and Theresa Bierli as appears from
    the Baptismal Register of this Church.
    Dated January 2 1950.
    Rev. P.A. Bind, Pastor."
  4. [S2458] Illinois, Cook County, Birth Certificates, 1871-1940, Name Michael Klein; Event Type Birth; Event Date 25 Jun 1915; Event Place Arlington Heights, Cook, Illinois, United States; Registration Date 24 Jul 1943; Registration Place Cook, Illinois; Gender Male; Father's Name George Peter Klein; Father's Birthplace Yugoslavia; Father's Age 27; Father's Estimated Birth Year 1888; Mother's Name Eva Pierce; Mother's Birthplace Yugoslavia; Mother's Age 22; Mother's Estimated Birth Year 1893; Certificate Number 4743; accessed 22 May 2016.
  5. [S2227] Illinois, Northern District Petitions for Naturalization, 1906-1994, Eva Klein, Petition for Naturalization certificate # P 203724
    25 Jun 1915.
  6. [S2230] 1920 Cook County, Illinois Federal Population Schedule, George Klein household, 1453 Larabee Street, Chicago Ward 22, Cook (Chicago), Illinois; dwelling 180, Family 276, Roll: T625_332; Enumeration District: 1220; Page: 12A; Line 28.
  7. [S1330] 1930 Cook County, Illinois Federal Population Schedule, George Klein household, 1018 Center Street, 44th Ward, Block 175, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois; Enumeration District: 2848; Supervisor's District 5th; Dwelling 56; Family 166: Roll: 485; Page: 10B; Sheet 10B; Line 69.
  8. [S2232] 1940 Cook County, Illinois Federal Population Schedule, Romeo David household, 162 West Hill Street, 42nd Ward, Block 4, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois; Enumeration District: 103-2654; Supervisor's District 9; Household 140; Roll: T627_1005; Sheet 7A; Line 30.
  9. [S2599] Marriage Certificate, Michael Klein and Martha S. Weaver,: Michael Klein and Martha S. Weaver - 28 May 1937.
  10. [S3566] U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947, Serial Number 558, Order No. 941
    Michael Peter Klein; Male; White; 25 years old; Address: 162 W. Hill Street; Birth Date: 25 Jun 1915; Birth Place: Arlington Heights, Illinois; Registration Date: 16 Oct 1940; Registration Place: Chicago, Cook, Illinois; Employer: W P A Project #30387; Place of Employment: Association House WPA Chicago Cook, Illinois; Tel No. Diversey 6527; Weight: 150 lbs.; Complexion: Dark; Eye Color: Brown; Hair Color:     Brown; Height: 5' 5"; Next of Kin: Martha Susan Klein.
  11. [S2428] "Report of Separation from the Armed Forces of the United States", Michael Peter Klein, Honorable Discharge.
  12. [S2601] Manifest, S. S. Homeland, List Number: 1, Michael Klein.
  13. [S2595] Marriage Certificate, Michael Klein and Elsbeth Lappé:, Michael Klein and Elsbeth Lappé - 5 March 1952
    "Standesamt Frankfurt am Main I, Nr. 205
    Der Corporal Michael Peter Klein
    katholisch, wohnhaft in Chicago, Illinois, USA
    geboren am 24. Juni 1915,
    in Arlington Heights, Illinois, USA
    (Standesamt durch standesamtliche Urkunde nicht nachgewiesen), und
    katholisches Pfarramt Arlington Heights
    die kaufmännische Angestellte Elsbeth Maria Lappé
    katholisch, wohnhaft in Frankfurt am Main
    geboren am 31. Januar 1925
    in Berlin
    (Standesamt 12a Berlin jetzt Tiergarten von Groß Berlin, Nr. 237).
    haben am 5. März 1952
    vor dem Standesamt Frankfurt am Main I die Ehe geschlossen.
    Frankfurt am Main, den 5. März 1952."
  14. [S2287] California Death Index, 1940-1997, online www.ancestry.com, Original data: State of California. California Death Index, 1940-1997. Sacramento, CA, USA: State of California Department of Health Services, Center for Health Statistics., Name:     Michael P Klein
    Gender: Male
    Birth Date: 15 Jun 1915
    Birth Place: Illinois
    Death Date: 13 Feb 1989
    Death Place: San Diego
    Mother's Maiden Name: Birle.
  15. [S2283] U.S. Veterans Gravesites, ca.1775-2006r II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946, online www.ancestry.com, Name:     Michael Peter Klein
    Service Info.: CPL US ARMY KOREA
    Birth Date: 15 Jun 1915
    Death Date: 13 Feb 1989
    Service Start Date: 17 Sep 1948
    Interment Date: 21 Feb 1989
    Cemetery: Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery
    Cemetery Address: P.O. Box 6237 San Diego, CA 92166
    Buried At: Section I Site 72-A.
  16. [S1439] Find A Grave, online http://www.findagrave.com, Birth:      Jun. 15, 1915
    Death: Feb. 13, 1989
    Inscription:
    US ARMY CPL KOREA

    Burial:
    Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery
    San Diego
    San Diego County
    California, USA
    Plot: I 0 72-A

    Created by: Marvin & Samme Templin
    e-mail address
    Record added: Sep 29, 2011
    Find A Grave Memorial# 77319226.
  17. [S2288] Name:     Micheal Peter Klein
    [Michael Peter Klein]
    [Michael Klein]
    SSN: 349091357
    Gender: Male
    Race: White
    Birth Date: 25 Jun 1915
    Birth Place: Arlington Ht, Illinois
    Father Name:     George Klein
    Mother Name: Eva Berli
    Death Date: 13 Feb 1989
    Type of Claim: Original SSN.
    Notes:     Jan 1937: Name listed as MICHEAL PETER KLEIN; 10 Apr 1986: Name listed as MICHAEL PETER KLEIN; 06 Mar 1989: Name listed as MICHAEL P KLEIN, Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007.
  18. [S36] Michael P. Klein, Certificate of Death.
  19. [S2813] Ancestry.com, Petitions for Naturalization, 1906-1991, NAI: 593882; Record Group Number: RG 21, 360 W 4800 North, Provo, Utah. Elsbeth Maria Lappé - Petition No. 362975.
  20. [S2600] Chicago, Illinois, Superior Court of Cook County, File 45 S 18266 (1945), Divorce Certificate.
  21. [S2284] Cook County, Illinois, Birth Certificates Index, 1871-1922, online www.ancestry.com, Name:     Frank Klein
    Birth Date:     18 Jun 1921
    Birth Place:     Chicago, Cook, Illinois
    Gender:     Male
    Father Name:     George Klein
    Father's Age:     33
    Mother Name:     Eva Bierfi
    Mother's Age:     28
    FHL Film Number:     1379016.
  22. [S2227] Illinois, Northern District Petitions for Naturalization, 1906-1994, George Klein, Declaration of Intention # No. 106249/11-134964.
  23. [S2227] Illinois, Northern District Petitions for Naturalization, 1906-1994, George Klein, Petition for Naturalization certificate # P 171338.
  24. [S2287] California Death Index, 1940-1997, online www.ancestry.com, Original data: State of California. California Death Index, 1940-1997. Sacramento, CA, USA: State of California Department of Health Services, Center for Health Statistics., Name:     Michael P Klein
    Social Security #:     349091357
    Gender:     Male
    Birth Date:     15 Jun 1915
    Birth Place:     Illinois
    Death Date:     13 Feb 1989
    Death Place:     San Diego
    Mother's Maiden Name:     Birle.
  25. [S2227] Illinois, Northern District Petitions for Naturalization, 1906-1994, George Klein, Declaration of Intention # No. 106249/11-134964
    25 Jun 1915.
  26. [S2227] Illinois, Northern District Petitions for Naturalization, 1906-1994, George Klein, Petition for Naturalization certificate # P 171338
    25 Jun 1915.
  27. [S2230] 1920 Cook County, Illinois Federal Population Schedule, George Klein household, 1453 Larabee Street, Chicago Ward 22, Cook (Chicago), Illinois; dwelling 180, Family 276, Roll: T625_332; Enumeration District: 1220; Page: 12A; Line 28,.
  28. [S2232] 1940 Cook County, Illinois Federal Population Schedule, Romeo David household, 162 West Hill Street, 42nd Ward, Block 4, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois; Enumeration District: 103-2654; Supervisor's District 9; Household 140; Roll: T627_1005; Sheet 7A; Line 30.
  29. [S3566] U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947, Serial Number 558, Order No. 941
    Michael Peter Klein; Male; White; 25 years old; Address: 162 W. Hill Street; Birth Date: 25 Jun 1915; Birth Place: Arlington Heights, Illinois; Registration Date: 16 Oct 1940; Registration Place: Chicago, Cook, Illinois; Employer: W P A Project #30387; Place of Employment: Association House WPA Chicago Cook, Illinois; Tel No. Diversey 6527; Weight: 150 lbs.; Complexion: Dark; Eye Color: Brown; Hair Color: Brown; Height: 5' 5"; Next of Kin: Martha Susan Klein.
  30. [S2283] U.S. Veterans Gravesites, ca.1775-2006r II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946, online www.ancestry.com, Name:     Elsbeth Maria Klein
    Service Info.:     CPL US ARMY
    Birth Date:     31 Jan 1925
    Death Date:     14 May 2000
    Relation:     Wife Of Klein, Michael Peter
    Interment Date:     26 May 2000
    Cemetery:     Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery
    Cemetery Address:     P.O. Box 6237 San Diego, CA 92166
    Buried At:     Section I Site 72-A.
  31. [S2288] Name:     Elsbeth Maria Klein
    [Elsbeth Klein]
    [Elsbeth Maria Lappe]
    SSN: 321300092
    Gender: Female
    Race: White
    Birth Date: 31 Jan 1925
    Birth Place: Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany
    Father Name: Friedrich Lappe
    Mother Name: Anna Tolksdorf
    Death Date: 14 May 2000
    Type of Claim: Original SSN.
    Notes:     Jul 1952: Name listed as ELSBETH MARIA KLEIN; 25 May 2000: Name listed as ELSBETH KLEIN, Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007.
  32. [S1874] Emigration from Banat in the National Archives Ship Records, 78 Extractions for the Village of: Pankota, online http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~banatdata/…, David Dreyer, San Mateo, California, Line 13, Elsbeth Klein.
  33. [S2293] San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2000.
  34. [S36] Michael P. Klein, Certificate of Death, 1953.
  35. [S2494] Interview, Felicia (Klein) Czech, 16 Jul 2016.
  36. [S2280] United States Public Records, 1970-2009, online FamilySearch https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KYX9-NCR, accessed 24 July 2015.
  37. [S2288] Name:     Micheal Peter Klein
    [Michael Peter Klein]
    [Michael Klein]
    SSN:     349091357
    Gender:     Male
    Race:     White
    Birth Date:     25 Jun 1915
    Birth Place:     Arlington Ht, Illinois
    Father Name:     George Klein
    Mother Name:     Eva Berli
    Death Date:     13 Feb 1989
    Type of Claim:     Original SSN.
    Notes:     Jan 1937: Name listed as MICHEAL PETER KLEIN; 10 Apr 1986: Name listed as MICHAEL PETER KLEIN; 06 Mar 1989: Name listed as MICHAEL P KLEIN, Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007.
  38. [S2283] U.S. Veterans Gravesites, ca.1775-2006r II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946, online www.ancestry.com, Name:     Michael Peter Klein
    Service Info.:     CPL US ARMY KOREA
    Birth Date:     15 Jun 1915
    Death Date:     13 Feb 1989
    Service Start Date:     17 Sep 1948
    Interment Date:     21 Feb 1989
    Cemetery:     Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery
    Cemetery Address:     P.O. Box 6237 San Diego, CA 92166
    Buried At:     Section I Site 72-A.
  39. [S2283] U.S. Veterans Gravesites, ca.1775-2006r II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946, online www.ancestry.com, Name:     Michael Peter Klein
    Service Info.:     CPL US ARMY KOREA
    Birth Date: 15 Jun 1915
    Death Date: 13 Feb 1989
    Service Start Date: 17 Sep 1948
    Interment Date: 21 Feb 1989
    Cemetery: Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery
    Cemetery Address: P.O. Box 6237 San Diego, CA 92166
    Buried At: Section I Site 72-A.
Last Edited=27 Dec 2023