John "Jay" Klein, age 66, of Valley City, ND, died Sunday, April 16 ^th peacefully surrounded by family on April 16, 2017 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND.

Jay was born in Berwyn, Illinois on October 7, 1950 to Clifford and Elizabeth Klein. After graduating from St. Catherine's High School, he served in the army as a door gunner with D Troop, 1 ^st Squadron 1 ^st Cavalry in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971. He received an honorable discharge in 1971. Jay married Sandra Spitzer in 1972. He later attended Valley City State University and graduated from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Jay, well known for his sense of humor, loved to tell jokes and make people laugh. He was also a gifted artist and enjoyed fine-scale modeling. In his later years, Jay spent much of his time at the Barnes County Historical Museum where he volunteered. Jay will be remembered as a loving and caring father, grandfather, brother, and friend to all.

Jay is survived by his children Aaron (Stephanie) Klein, Haymarket, VA, and Sarah (Stacy) Klein-Mark, North Las Vegas, NV; grandchildren Christopher and Madeline Klein, Haymarket, VA; sister Mary Beth (Dan) Shannon, Roseville, MN; brothers Tom (Karen), Roseville, MN, and Kevin, Valley City, ND; special friends Sandra and Christina Goeller, Valley City, ND; and several nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth and Clifford, and his brother Mike.

A prayer service and memorial service will be held in August after his son returns from deployment.

Memorial donations in Jay's name may be made to the Barnes County Historical Museum.