Steven J. Klein

Steven J Klein of Battle Creek passed away peacefully at home on November 29, 2019 as a result of cardiac amyloidosis. He was 64 years old. Mr. Klein is survived by his wife of 37 years, Anita Klein of Battle Creek; a daughter, Allison Eskinazi (Mike) of Baltimore, MD, a son, Garrett Klein of Lafayette, IN; a sister, Laurie Klein of Mill Valley, CA; and father, Earl Klein of Yonkers, NY. He also is survived by many cherished in-laws; and several dozen nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by his mother, Sally Klein. Mr. Klein recently retired as Vice President for Enrollment Management at Albion College. Prior to Albion, he served as the chief enrollment officer at Wabash College (IN) for 17 years-the longest tenure in that role in the College’s 188-year history. During that time Wabash set records for applications and enrolled students.  Earlier in his higher education career, Mr. Klein held positions at the University of Virginia and Shippensburg University (PA).  He received his Bachelors degree from Cornell University, where he was a member and officer of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and a resident advisor.  Mr. Klein also held a Masters degree from Indiana University.  Outside of career and family, Mr. Klein was active in Crawfordsville’s Mentoring Program, that area’s United Way program, Crawfordsville Main Street and Kiwanis. He was a member of the Wabash College 1832 Society, a Life Member of the University of Virginia Alumni Association and in the Guardian Circle of US Aid for UNICEF. Locally, he was a Board Member of Temple B’nai Israel of Kalamazoo. Mr. Klein previously served as Chair of the Hillel Advisory Board at the University of Virginia and the Lafayette Jewish Community Religious School in Indiana. A life-long fan of the New York Mets, Mr. Klein was present at Shea Stadium on October 16, 1969 when the “Miracle” Mets won their first World Series.  Other hobbies have included landscaping, fitness, tennis and following national politics. He also coached youth soccer in Shippensburg for four years. A memorial service is planned for Sunday, December 8, 2019 at 1:00pm in the Goodrich Chapel, Albion College.  The family will also be sitting Shiva at their home on Monday December 9th and Tuesday December 10th from 4:00-7:00pm.  Minyan will be at 6:30pm both days.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Albion College, the National Baseball Hall of Fame (Cooperstown, NY) or Temple B’nai Israel. Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 2838 Capital Ave SW, Battle Creek, MI 49068.  Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the on line obituary, sign the on line guest book or leave condolences to the family.