Harry "Mr. Case" Kline

Harry Kline “Mr. Case” RACINE-Harry Edward Kline, 94, passed away at his residence on Tuesday January 31, 2012. Harry was born on May 30, 1917 in Madison Lake, Minn, a first generation American from German born parents, Peter and Anna (nee: Schneider) Klein. The family left the German settlement near Odessa and arrived in Philadelphia with their four children; Katherine, Jacob, Karl, and Anna on the steamship Main in 1910. Traveling first to Kansas and Minn., the family moved finally to Wisconsin where they had eight more children; Peter, John, Fred, Ben, Emma, Rose, Harry and Clara. With an eight-grade education, Harry was hired by J.I. Case Co. in 1934. Working primarily as a Service Technician, Harry helped to develop, troubleshoot and market some of the earliest self-propelled combines, hydrostatic and 4WD tractors as well as the emerging construction equipment lines the company produced. As a result Harry traveled extensively throughout the country including the 48 contiguous states, also working in every country in Central and South America as well as traveling to England, France and the Middle East for J.I. Case in the mid 60’s. Harry attained his pilot’s license and was appointed a First Lieutenant with the Civil Air Patrol in 1949. Harry’s relentless devotion to preserving the unique and diverse history of the J.I. Case Company has been a labor of love that has touched many lives, as evidenced by the receptions he receives at farm machinery collectors’ events throughout the country. An unofficial curator of the Case Company museum from the late 1970’s until the late 1990’s it was not uncommon for Harry to receive phone calls from around the world requesting knowledge of Case equipment that only a select few know….or ever knew. Harry was always happy to oblige any collector truly interested in preserving Case history. As a result, his legion of friends range from lifelong farmers in the furthest regions of the world to casual Case equipment collectors to lifelong Case dealers, parts manufacturers and shipping contractors, as well as many high-ranking past and present Case executives. In 1939 Harry married Loretta Davis in Racine at Epiphany Lutheran Church celebrating 72 years of marriage. Harry is survived by his wife Loretta, four children, Barbara Adams, Ann (Doug) Hale both of Colorado, Jane Steben of Racine, Harry (Betty) Kline of Minn. He is furthered survived by 14 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, one sister, Clara Simonsen of Wisconsin in addition to nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends. A celebration of life will be held at Sturino Funeral Home on Sunday February 5, 2012 from 1p.m. until 3 p.m. Harry will be laid to rest in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, contributions towards the Harry Kline Museum & Scholarship Fund would be appreciated. Pleas make all inquiries to Jerry Sanders, at 119 West St. Fairwater, WI 53931. A very special thank you to Dr. Shimshak and staff at Wheaton Franciscan for their fine care and devotion to our father, also to Home Health Care Nurse “Heather” who’s humor and kindness to our Dad was much appreciated.

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Harry "Mr. Case" Kline

May 30, 1917 - January 31, 2012