Kenton Magill Klein Sr.
BIRTH
20 Jan 1928
Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, USA
DEATH
11 May 2016 (aged 88)
Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, USA
BURIAL
Burial Details Unknown
MEMORIAL ID
162461892 · View Source
MEMORIAL
PHOTOS 1
FLOWERS 1
Iles Funeral Home
Kenton Magill Klein, Sr., 88, died peacefully May 11, 2016, at Kavanagh House.
Kent was born Jan. 20, 1928 to Mary Esther (Magill) Klein and Randall Thomas Klein. A lifelong Des Moines resident, he attended Greenwood Elementary, Callanan Junior High School, Shattuck/St. Mary's School, graduating from Roosevelt High School.
A veteran of the US Navy, Kent served his country aboard the USS Astoria (CL 90), from 1946-1948 as a radar technician. He married his beloved wife of 52 years, Lois (Martin) Klein on Aug. 12, 1950, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree from the University of Iowa in 1952. Kent and Lois returned to Des Moines where Kent began a distinguished career in the food brokerage industry. Kent and his business partners transformed Seavey Flarsheim Brokerage Co. into Sales Force Companies, Inc. which was one of the first and the largest geographical food brokerages in the United States. Kent served as Division President where he identified, recruited and trained upper management personnel. He also served on the board and retired in 1991 as Corporate Vice-president of New Business Development.
A lifelong member of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, he served twice, both on the Vestry and as Treasurer, as well as on numerous committees. A president of the Des Moines Food Brokers Association, Kent also served as a director of the Iowa Food Industries Association. His civic activities, clubs, and interests included being a director of Des Moines Junior Chamber of Commerce, captain of United Way of Central Iowa, Des Moines Civic Center Association, Rotary International, Isaac Walton League, Sigma Nu Alumni, Wakonda Country Club, Des Moines Club, Pioneer Gun Club, ushering at Drake University stadium events and Veteran's Auditorium, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Des Moines Art Center. An active pilot in his earlier years, Kent was also a member of the QB (Quiet Birdmen) Pilots Association. Kent volunteered with the American Red Cross, on Wesley Acres committees, as a Polk County Small Claims Mediator and at the Blank Park Zoo where he drove the train for several years.
Kent is predeceased by his wife, Lois (2003), parents, and brother, Randall Thomas Klein (2007).
Visitation will be held at Iles (Dunn's) Funeral Home, 2121 Grand Avenue, Friday, May 20th, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The memorial service will be held Saturday, May 21st, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 9th and High Streets.