Charles Kleinhenz

Charles Kleinhenz February 16, 1933 - February 27, 2011 Charles Kleinhenz, a longtime resident of Bartholomew County, passed away on February 27, 2011, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, love of family, and faith in God. Charles was born on the south side of Chicago, Illinois, on February 16, 1933, to Charles Louis and Grace Orlack Kleinhenz, who were proudly second generation Americans from Germany. With two sisters in tow, he grew up working hard, and playing hard. He was a natural athlete and a born entrepreneur, landing his first job at age 9. As time went on and he grew into manhood, Chuck joined the Air Force in 1951, and became a certified machinist. This turned out to be an inspired decision as it opened the door for the series of events that would eventually bring him to Columbus, Indiana, and to the future business his family would be a part of. Another inspired incident found him on military leave in South Carolina, where he met a young nursing student at a roller skating rink. After one date, Helen Marie Baldwin fell in love and the two were later married on March 26, 1955. The couple settled in Chicago and began a family. In 1959, using his skills as a machinist, Chuck spent the summer as an intern at Engleking Patterns in Columbus. Lowell Engleking, the owner, liked him so much and was so impressed with his ability, that he offered him a full-time job. So, in 1960, Chuck moved his young family from the big city of Chicago to rural Indiana to begin a new life. Among the many things that changed in his life, was joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1961 when missionaries knocked on his door and taught him about the church. He later served as a Bishop, a Branch President, and a member of the Stake Presidency. He believed strongly that keeping children busy kept them out of trouble, so he and his wife always had a garden or some sort of livestock to occupy their idle time. They often sold the vegetables, eggs or other items they raised door-to-door. Eventually they bought a 50-acre farm and 250 chickens. At this time they had six sons and one daughter, and the demand for their eggs was growing, so in 1975, Chuck and Marie decided to begin a new business, naming it after their seven children, 7K Farms. It definitely kept the kids busy and Chuck left Engleking Patterns and devoted himself full time to this endeavor. Throughout his life, Chuck kept himself busy coaching many Taylorsville Bears football teams and Little League baseball teams. He was an avid Chicago Bears fan and he was to be found at all of his childrens and grandchildrens sporting events. He loved to go to the beach with his wife every winter. He believed that eating a loaf of Wonder bread was the cure for all that ailed you, and MORE than anything, he loved to pull you into a room and share his wisdom with you. His legacy was great in business and community, but nothing meant more to him than his family. He left a great posterity and will be deeply and dearly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as both sisters, Betty Chucta and Patricia Surach. He is survived by his wife, Helen Marie; his son James (Tracy), daughter Diane (Jeff Olmstead), son Larry (Annette), Kirk (Jana), Brice, Grant (Paisley) and Dean (Jennifer); grandchildren, Michael (Jamie), Kara, Brent, Taylor (Nathan Kowallis), Spencer Olmstead, Katie Olmstead, Samantha Olmstead, Caleb, Megan (David Payne), Evan (Molly), Orrin (Shannon), Lauren, Luke, Hayden, Gwen, Brigham, Charley, Nora, Sara, Drew, Hana, Haley, Tanner, Braden, Danielle, Mackenzie, Emma, Maggie, Elijah, Jane, and Helen; and great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Cameron, Madelyn, Jordan Kowallis, Peyton Kowallis, Hank Payne, and Ruayne Payne. Funeral Information FUNERAL: 10 a.m. Friday, March 4, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with Bishop Steve Vincent conducting. CALLING: 4 until 8 p.m. Thursday at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home and from 9 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. Friday morning at the church. BURIAL: Flatrock Baptist Cemetery. Donations Information Memorials may be made to Hospice of South Central Indiana. DirectionsVisitation: Map to Funeral Home

Charles Kleinhenz

February 16, 1924 - February 16, 1933