Jeffry Klein

Jeffry R. Klein, 66, went to the angels on Thursday, November 5, 2026 in St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, surrounded by family. He was born to the late Kenneth E. & Donna L. (Goatley) Klein in Taylorville, IL on March 11, 1960. He married the former Debra Schommer on September 2, 1995.
Jeff graduated with the Pana High School Class of 1978, and in 1982 received a bachelor’s degree in Economics/Finance from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, where he was a member of the Alpha Chi Rho Fraternity. He also lived in California, Chicago, Pana & Shelbyville, IL.
Jeff primarily worked in the restaurant/entertainment industry, having had joint ownership of, among other ventures, The Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, California, which hosted major entertainers. He was a unique individual who enjoyed sports, music and politics. Jeff was a good athlete, who between high school and college fraternity sports, played basketball, baseball/softball (wicked arm) and football. He was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, as well as Illini Basketball. While in Chicago, he was lead vocalist for a local band “Oscars Gone Wild”. Jeff grew up on a dairy farm in a fairly conservative family but evolved to be more progressive; and liberal. Actually, while sedated, the family tried for a miracle by telling him the results of the mid-term elections. We knew Jeff is elated about those results!
Many of Jeff’s friends called him by his middle name; his name brought early envy from some siblings, as he was named after his grandfather, Ralph Goatley, and Ralph’s best friend, who each gifted Jeff $5. Once while back from California, visiting friends in Pana, they surprised him with a “Ralphapalooza” party.
Jeff was a kind soul, who helped take care of his mother for most of her last 6 years. It was also not unusual for him to help and befriend former strangers. However, his greatest joy was his family, especially his beloved children, Evan & Violet, who he loved sharing music and books with, and Bria (Mike) Dennis; grandchildren: Sophia (Tim) Bonk, Logan & Josie Dennis; and 2 great grandchildren. Besides his children and Debra, Jeff is also survived by his siblings: Jacqueline S. Anderson, James K. (Stacey) Klein, Geri L. (Tom) Kirkbride, Jill M. (Dan) Alde & Jodi A. (Dave) Miller; brother-in-law, Dr. Mitch Rotman & sister-in-law, Emma Boehm, as well as many beloved cousins, nieces & nephews.
In addition to his parents, Jeff was preceded in death by his siblings: Gina L. Rotman & Kenneth L. Klein; nephew, TK Kirkbride; granddaughter, Gracie Mae Dennis and brother-in-law, Gary Anderson.
It was Jeff’s wish that there be no funeral, therefore cremation rites will be accorded and the family will host a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jeff’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or your local food pantry.
McCracken-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family.