Mark Jerome Klein, 90, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on Oct. 26, 2022, in Lenexa, Kansas.
Mark was born in Kansas City, Missouri, to Robert and Fay Klein on Sept. 19, 1932. He went to South West High School and graduated in 1950. He went on to earn a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Missouri, an LL.B. in Law from the University of Missouri, Kansas City, and an LL.M. in Taxation from New York University. He worked as an attorney in his own law practice for over 40 years, served in the United States Air Force as an attorney and continued in the United States Air Force Reserves, where he achieved the rank of Colonel. He was also a life-long member of Kehilath Israel Synagogue.
Mark excelled at math, enjoyed reading long historical fiction, cheered for the Kansas City Chiefs, and was accepting of people from all walks of life. He specialized in franchise law and was especially committed to ensuring that the rights of franchisees and small business owners were protected. He published articles in franchise magazines and journals and was quoted as an expert in franchising in publications such as the Wall Street Journal.
While Mark had a detailed business mind, one of his favorite roles was being a grandpa who the grandkids called “Papa.” As Papa, he specialized in playing a game his grandchildren called “swing swing” where he would swirl and toss them gently in the air and catch them in his sturdy arms. His kids and grandkids also loved Papa’s funny voices, great impression of Donald Duck, and silly songs.
Mark is survived by his children, Robert Klein of South Elgin, Illinois, Barbara Cutler of Overland Park, Samara Klein of Overland Park, and Melissa Klein of Dobbs Ferry, New York; his grandchildren, Jacquelyne Vaughan, Alexis Cutler of Overland Park, Sarah Klein of South Elgin, and Lyla Wallen of Dobbs Ferry; and his brother Richard Klein of Houston, Texas. He is predeceased by his sister, Elaine Sklar, of Los Angeles, California.
The funeral was held at Louis Memorial Chapel at 6830 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, MO, on Oct. 30, 2022, with Rabbi Moshe Grussgott of Kehilath Israel Synagogue officiating. Burial followed at Sheffield Cemetery, 6200 Wilson Avenue, Kansas City, MO. Louis Memorial Chapel handled the funeral arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made on his behalf to either Kehilath Israel Synagogue, 10501 Conser, Overland Park, KS 66212 (or kisyn.org/donations) or Inclusion Connections, 2073 E. Santa Fe, Olathe, KS 66062 (or ickc.org).
