Pennsylvania's 25th lieutenant governor, Ernest P. Kline, Palmyra, passed peacefully into Eternal Rest on May 13, 2009, Feast of Our Lady of Fatima.
A staunch Catholic, Democrat and Steeler fan, Ernie was born June 20, 1929, to the late Elna Natali Kline and Allen J. Kline in Allentown.
Raised in Webster, he became known as "Chief." Always the organizer and leader of every group in which he was involved, Ernie served as class president and starting quarterback for his Rostraver High School graduating class of 1947.
After attending Duquesne University for a brief time, he began a career in radio news broadcasting in 1948 in Charleroi, with stops in Connellsville and Kittanning. In Kittanning, he met his wife, Josephine. Together, they moved to Beaver Falls, where he worked at WBVP until 1967.
It was there that he, along with the help of his wife, Jo, began a long and storied journey in Pennsylvania Democratic politics. In addition to politics, Ernie was involved in every aspect of civic life in Beaver Falls and the life of his longtime parish, St. Mary's. Whether helping with the Kiwanis pancake breakfast or quietly assisting those in need with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Ernie lived the motto of The Christophers, "It is better to light one candle, than to curse the darkness."
Ernie truly believed in the phrase "public servant" and worked tirelessly for the people of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He began service in 1955 as a councilman in the City of Beaver Falls and continued as an appointed member of the Beaver Falls Municipal Authority. In 1961, Gov. David L. Lawrence appointed Ernie as a workers' compensation referee for Beaver, Washington and Greene counties.
Ernie was elected to the State Senate and began service in 1965 as the senator from the 47th District. In August 1967, his legislative Democratic colleagues elected him floor leader, the youngest person to hold that post.
He was elected lieutenant governor in 1970, moved his family to Lebanon County and served with Milton J. Shapp. In that role, he served as presiding officer of the Senate, chairman of the Board of Pardons, co-chairman of the National Bicentennial Commission, chairman of the Governor's Commission on Basic Education and chairman of the Energy Council.
After leaving public life in 1979, he was president of Kline Associates Ltd., a government consulting business currently run by his children, Monica and John. Again, he pursued many volunteer projects including the establishment of the Ronald McDonald House of the Hershey Medical Center, acted as chairman of the board of the United Way of Lebanon County and umpired Palmyra Borough girls' softball.
Ernie was predeceased by his parents, his loving brother, Allen; and cherished nephew, Mark.
He leaves his wife, Josephine, with whom he would have celebrated 60 years of marriage in June; a brother, William, and wife, Kathy, Madison, Wis.; a host of relatives and friends across the Commonwealth and his seven children:
Patricia Kline Just and husband, Fred, Pittsburgh; the Honorable Samuel A. "Gus" Kline and wife, Ann, Lebanon; Michael Kline, Harrisburg; John Kline and wife, Monica (Krammer) Kline, Reading; Vincent Kline and wife, Jennifer (Lauck) Kline, Harrisburg; Myra Ann Taylor, Harrisburg; and Monica Kline and husband, Dennis Balbac, Myerstown.
His grandchildren, who were so precious to him, are: Gregory Kline, Adrienne (Kline) Cummings and husband, Christopher; Audrey (Kline) Farrell and husband, Joseph; Andrew Kline (currently serving our country in Iraq); Abby Kline, Paul Kline and wife, Kristen (Crimbring) Kline; Anthony Kline, Lauren E. Kline, Carolyn E. Just, Kevin V. Kline, Thomas E. Kline and Kathryn J. Taylor.
To all of us he left a legacy of faith, commitment to fearlessly defending one's beliefs while respectfully listening to dissenting views, a love of the English language, viewing life with hope, and treating every person with respect.
Visitors may greet the family tonight 4 to 8 in the Rothermel Funeral Home, South Railroad and Pine streets, Palmyra. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Church of the Holy Spirit, Palmyra, by longtime family friend, Msgr. Thomas Smith of St. Joseph Parish, Lancaster, and assisted by Father Jim Podlesny, O.S.B., pastor of the Church of the Holy Spirit.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Way of Lebanon County, 801 Cumberland St., Lebanon, PA 17042.
Eternal Rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may the Perpetual Light shine upon him.
Published by Reading Eagle on May 15, 2009.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/readingeagle/name/ernest-kline-obituary?id=14895725
* * * * *
Former Lt. Gov. Kline honored at funeral service
May 16, 2009
Updated Aug 5, 2014
PALMYRA (AP) — Family, friends and colleagues have paid their final respects to former Lt. Gov. Ernest P. Kline in central Pennsylvania.
Mourners filled the Church of the Holy Sprit sanctuary in Palmyra, Lebanon County, for a funeral service on Saturday morning. Kline, who died Wednesday, served eight years as lieutenant governor from 1971-79 under Gov. Milton Shapp.
The Rev. James F. Podlesny remembered Kline as a devoted servant to God as well as voters. He said "Ernie" was trusted and respected, and a man of integrity, but "also a person of great faith."
Mourners wore powder blue buttons in honor of the trademark blank campaign buttons that Kline always handed out.
After the service, a state police guard escorted the flag-draped casket out of the church to the strains of "America, the Beautiful."
https://www.dailyitem.com/former-lt-gov-kline-honored-at-funeral-service/article_9bace1fa-a023-58a1-987e-1ac7a5d2f74d.html
A staunch Catholic, Democrat and Steeler fan, Ernie was born June 20, 1929, to the late Elna Natali Kline and Allen J. Kline in Allentown.
Raised in Webster, he became known as "Chief." Always the organizer and leader of every group in which he was involved, Ernie served as class president and starting quarterback for his Rostraver High School graduating class of 1947.
After attending Duquesne University for a brief time, he began a career in radio news broadcasting in 1948 in Charleroi, with stops in Connellsville and Kittanning. In Kittanning, he met his wife, Josephine. Together, they moved to Beaver Falls, where he worked at WBVP until 1967.
It was there that he, along with the help of his wife, Jo, began a long and storied journey in Pennsylvania Democratic politics. In addition to politics, Ernie was involved in every aspect of civic life in Beaver Falls and the life of his longtime parish, St. Mary's. Whether helping with the Kiwanis pancake breakfast or quietly assisting those in need with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Ernie lived the motto of The Christophers, "It is better to light one candle, than to curse the darkness."
Ernie truly believed in the phrase "public servant" and worked tirelessly for the people of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He began service in 1955 as a councilman in the City of Beaver Falls and continued as an appointed member of the Beaver Falls Municipal Authority. In 1961, Gov. David L. Lawrence appointed Ernie as a workers' compensation referee for Beaver, Washington and Greene counties.
Ernie was elected to the State Senate and began service in 1965 as the senator from the 47th District. In August 1967, his legislative Democratic colleagues elected him floor leader, the youngest person to hold that post.
He was elected lieutenant governor in 1970, moved his family to Lebanon County and served with Milton J. Shapp. In that role, he served as presiding officer of the Senate, chairman of the Board of Pardons, co-chairman of the National Bicentennial Commission, chairman of the Governor's Commission on Basic Education and chairman of the Energy Council.
After leaving public life in 1979, he was president of Kline Associates Ltd., a government consulting business currently run by his children, Monica and John. Again, he pursued many volunteer projects including the establishment of the Ronald McDonald House of the Hershey Medical Center, acted as chairman of the board of the United Way of Lebanon County and umpired Palmyra Borough girls' softball.
Ernie was predeceased by his parents, his loving brother, Allen; and cherished nephew, Mark.
He leaves his wife, Josephine, with whom he would have celebrated 60 years of marriage in June; a brother, William, and wife, Kathy, Madison, Wis.; a host of relatives and friends across the Commonwealth and his seven children:
Patricia Kline Just and husband, Fred, Pittsburgh; the Honorable Samuel A. "Gus" Kline and wife, Ann, Lebanon; Michael Kline, Harrisburg; John Kline and wife, Monica (Krammer) Kline, Reading; Vincent Kline and wife, Jennifer (Lauck) Kline, Harrisburg; Myra Ann Taylor, Harrisburg; and Monica Kline and husband, Dennis Balbac, Myerstown.
His grandchildren, who were so precious to him, are: Gregory Kline, Adrienne (Kline) Cummings and husband, Christopher; Audrey (Kline) Farrell and husband, Joseph; Andrew Kline (currently serving our country in Iraq); Abby Kline, Paul Kline and wife, Kristen (Crimbring) Kline; Anthony Kline, Lauren E. Kline, Carolyn E. Just, Kevin V. Kline, Thomas E. Kline and Kathryn J. Taylor.
To all of us he left a legacy of faith, commitment to fearlessly defending one's beliefs while respectfully listening to dissenting views, a love of the English language, viewing life with hope, and treating every person with respect.
Visitors may greet the family tonight 4 to 8 in the Rothermel Funeral Home, South Railroad and Pine streets, Palmyra. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Church of the Holy Spirit, Palmyra, by longtime family friend, Msgr. Thomas Smith of St. Joseph Parish, Lancaster, and assisted by Father Jim Podlesny, O.S.B., pastor of the Church of the Holy Spirit.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Way of Lebanon County, 801 Cumberland St., Lebanon, PA 17042.
Eternal Rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may the Perpetual Light shine upon him.
Published by Reading Eagle on May 15, 2009.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/readingeagle/name/ernest-kline-obituary?id=14895725
* * * * *
Former Lt. Gov. Kline honored at funeral service
May 16, 2009
Updated Aug 5, 2014
PALMYRA (AP) — Family, friends and colleagues have paid their final respects to former Lt. Gov. Ernest P. Kline in central Pennsylvania.
Mourners filled the Church of the Holy Sprit sanctuary in Palmyra, Lebanon County, for a funeral service on Saturday morning. Kline, who died Wednesday, served eight years as lieutenant governor from 1971-79 under Gov. Milton Shapp.
The Rev. James F. Podlesny remembered Kline as a devoted servant to God as well as voters. He said "Ernie" was trusted and respected, and a man of integrity, but "also a person of great faith."
Mourners wore powder blue buttons in honor of the trademark blank campaign buttons that Kline always handed out.
After the service, a state police guard escorted the flag-draped casket out of the church to the strains of "America, the Beautiful."
https://www.dailyitem.com/former-lt-gov-kline-honored-at-funeral-service/article_9bace1fa-a023-58a1-987e-1ac7a5d2f74d.html
Pennsylvania's 25th lieutenant governor, Ernest P. Kline, Palmyra, passed peacefully into Eternal Rest on May 13, 2009, Feast of Our Lady of Fatima.
A staunch Catholic, Democrat and Steeler fan, Ernie was born June 20, 1929, to the late Elna Natali Kline and Allen J. Kline in Allentown.
Raised in Webster, he became known as "Chief." Always the organizer and leader of every group in which he was involved, Ernie served as class president and starting quarterback for his Rostraver High School graduating class of 1947.
After attending Duquesne University for a brief time, he began a career in radio news broadcasting in 1948 in Charleroi, with stops in Connellsville and Kittanning. In Kittanning, he met his wife, Josephine. Together, they moved to Beaver Falls, where he worked at WBVP until 1967.
It was there that he, along with the help of his wife, Jo, began a long and storied journey in Pennsylvania Democratic politics. In addition to politics, Ernie was involved in every aspect of civic life in Beaver Falls and the life of his longtime parish, St. Mary's. Whether helping with the Kiwanis pancake breakfast or quietly assisting those in need with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Ernie lived the motto of The Christophers, "It is better to light one candle, than to curse the darkness."
Ernie truly believed in the phrase "public servant" and worked tirelessly for the people of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He began service in 1955 as a councilman in the City of Beaver Falls and continued as an appointed member of the Beaver Falls Municipal Authority. In 1961, Gov. David L. Lawrence appointed Ernie as a workers' compensation referee for Beaver, Washington and Greene counties.
Ernie was elected to the State Senate and began service in 1965 as the senator from the 47th District. In August 1967, his legislative Democratic colleagues elected him floor leader, the youngest person to hold that post.
He was elected lieutenant governor in 1970, moved his family to Lebanon County and served with Milton J. Shapp. In that role, he served as presiding officer of the Senate, chairman of the Board of Pardons, co-chairman of the National Bicentennial Commission, chairman of the Governor's Commission on Basic Education and chairman of the Energy Council.
After leaving public life in 1979, he was president of Kline Associates Ltd., a government consulting business currently run by his children, Monica and John. Again, he pursued many volunteer projects including the establishment of the Ronald McDonald House of the Hershey Medical Center, acted as chairman of the board of the United Way of Lebanon County and umpired Palmyra Borough girls' softball.
Ernie was predeceased by his parents, his loving brother, Allen; and cherished nephew, Mark.
He leaves his wife, Josephine, with whom he would have celebrated 60 years of marriage in June; a brother, William, and wife, Kathy, Madison, Wis.; a host of relatives and friends across the Commonwealth and his seven children:
Patricia Kline Just and husband, Fred, Pittsburgh; the Honorable Samuel A. "Gus" Kline and wife, Ann, Lebanon; Michael Kline, Harrisburg; John Kline and wife, Monica (Krammer) Kline, Reading; Vincent Kline and wife, Jennifer (Lauck) Kline, Harrisburg; Myra Ann Taylor, Harrisburg; and Monica Kline and husband, Dennis Balbac, Myerstown.
His grandchildren, who were so precious to him, are: Gregory Kline, Adrienne (Kline) Cummings and husband, Christopher; Audrey (Kline) Farrell and husband, Joseph; Andrew Kline (currently serving our country in Iraq); Abby Kline, Paul Kline and wife, Kristen (Crimbring) Kline; Anthony Kline, Lauren E. Kline, Carolyn E. Just, Kevin V. Kline, Thomas E. Kline and Kathryn J. Taylor.
To all of us he left a legacy of faith, commitment to fearlessly defending one's beliefs while respectfully listening to dissenting views, a love of the English language, viewing life with hope, and treating every person with respect.
Visitors may greet the family tonight 4 to 8 in the Rothermel Funeral Home, South Railroad and Pine streets, Palmyra. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Church of the Holy Spirit, Palmyra, by longtime family friend, Msgr. Thomas Smith of St. Joseph Parish, Lancaster, and assisted by Father Jim Podlesny, O.S.B., pastor of the Church of the Holy Spirit.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Way of Lebanon County, 801 Cumberland St., Lebanon, PA 17042.
Eternal Rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may the Perpetual Light shine upon him.
Published by Reading Eagle on May 15, 2009.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/readingeagle/name/ernest-kline-obituary?id=14895725
* * * * *
Former Lt. Gov. Kline honored at funeral service
May 16, 2009
Updated Aug 5, 2014
PALMYRA (AP) — Family, friends and colleagues have paid their final respects to former Lt. Gov. Ernest P. Kline in central Pennsylvania.
Mourners filled the Church of the Holy Sprit sanctuary in Palmyra, Lebanon County, for a funeral service on Saturday morning. Kline, who died Wednesday, served eight years as lieutenant governor from 1971-79 under Gov. Milton Shapp.
The Rev. James F. Podlesny remembered Kline as a devoted servant to God as well as voters. He said "Ernie" was trusted and respected, and a man of integrity, but "also a person of great faith."
Mourners wore powder blue buttons in honor of the trademark blank campaign buttons that Kline always handed out.
After the service, a state police guard escorted the flag-draped casket out of the church to the strains of "America, the Beautiful."
https://www.dailyitem.com/former-lt-gov-kline-honored-at-funeral-service/article_9bace1fa-a023-58a1-987e-1ac7a5d2f74d.html
A staunch Catholic, Democrat and Steeler fan, Ernie was born June 20, 1929, to the late Elna Natali Kline and Allen J. Kline in Allentown.
Raised in Webster, he became known as "Chief." Always the organizer and leader of every group in which he was involved, Ernie served as class president and starting quarterback for his Rostraver High School graduating class of 1947.
After attending Duquesne University for a brief time, he began a career in radio news broadcasting in 1948 in Charleroi, with stops in Connellsville and Kittanning. In Kittanning, he met his wife, Josephine. Together, they moved to Beaver Falls, where he worked at WBVP until 1967.
It was there that he, along with the help of his wife, Jo, began a long and storied journey in Pennsylvania Democratic politics. In addition to politics, Ernie was involved in every aspect of civic life in Beaver Falls and the life of his longtime parish, St. Mary's. Whether helping with the Kiwanis pancake breakfast or quietly assisting those in need with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Ernie lived the motto of The Christophers, "It is better to light one candle, than to curse the darkness."
Ernie truly believed in the phrase "public servant" and worked tirelessly for the people of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He began service in 1955 as a councilman in the City of Beaver Falls and continued as an appointed member of the Beaver Falls Municipal Authority. In 1961, Gov. David L. Lawrence appointed Ernie as a workers' compensation referee for Beaver, Washington and Greene counties.
Ernie was elected to the State Senate and began service in 1965 as the senator from the 47th District. In August 1967, his legislative Democratic colleagues elected him floor leader, the youngest person to hold that post.
He was elected lieutenant governor in 1970, moved his family to Lebanon County and served with Milton J. Shapp. In that role, he served as presiding officer of the Senate, chairman of the Board of Pardons, co-chairman of the National Bicentennial Commission, chairman of the Governor's Commission on Basic Education and chairman of the Energy Council.
After leaving public life in 1979, he was president of Kline Associates Ltd., a government consulting business currently run by his children, Monica and John. Again, he pursued many volunteer projects including the establishment of the Ronald McDonald House of the Hershey Medical Center, acted as chairman of the board of the United Way of Lebanon County and umpired Palmyra Borough girls' softball.
Ernie was predeceased by his parents, his loving brother, Allen; and cherished nephew, Mark.
He leaves his wife, Josephine, with whom he would have celebrated 60 years of marriage in June; a brother, William, and wife, Kathy, Madison, Wis.; a host of relatives and friends across the Commonwealth and his seven children:
Patricia Kline Just and husband, Fred, Pittsburgh; the Honorable Samuel A. "Gus" Kline and wife, Ann, Lebanon; Michael Kline, Harrisburg; John Kline and wife, Monica (Krammer) Kline, Reading; Vincent Kline and wife, Jennifer (Lauck) Kline, Harrisburg; Myra Ann Taylor, Harrisburg; and Monica Kline and husband, Dennis Balbac, Myerstown.
His grandchildren, who were so precious to him, are: Gregory Kline, Adrienne (Kline) Cummings and husband, Christopher; Audrey (Kline) Farrell and husband, Joseph; Andrew Kline (currently serving our country in Iraq); Abby Kline, Paul Kline and wife, Kristen (Crimbring) Kline; Anthony Kline, Lauren E. Kline, Carolyn E. Just, Kevin V. Kline, Thomas E. Kline and Kathryn J. Taylor.
To all of us he left a legacy of faith, commitment to fearlessly defending one's beliefs while respectfully listening to dissenting views, a love of the English language, viewing life with hope, and treating every person with respect.
Visitors may greet the family tonight 4 to 8 in the Rothermel Funeral Home, South Railroad and Pine streets, Palmyra. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Church of the Holy Spirit, Palmyra, by longtime family friend, Msgr. Thomas Smith of St. Joseph Parish, Lancaster, and assisted by Father Jim Podlesny, O.S.B., pastor of the Church of the Holy Spirit.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Way of Lebanon County, 801 Cumberland St., Lebanon, PA 17042.
Eternal Rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may the Perpetual Light shine upon him.
Published by Reading Eagle on May 15, 2009.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/readingeagle/name/ernest-kline-obituary?id=14895725
* * * * *
Former Lt. Gov. Kline honored at funeral service
May 16, 2009
Updated Aug 5, 2014
PALMYRA (AP) — Family, friends and colleagues have paid their final respects to former Lt. Gov. Ernest P. Kline in central Pennsylvania.
Mourners filled the Church of the Holy Sprit sanctuary in Palmyra, Lebanon County, for a funeral service on Saturday morning. Kline, who died Wednesday, served eight years as lieutenant governor from 1971-79 under Gov. Milton Shapp.
The Rev. James F. Podlesny remembered Kline as a devoted servant to God as well as voters. He said "Ernie" was trusted and respected, and a man of integrity, but "also a person of great faith."
Mourners wore powder blue buttons in honor of the trademark blank campaign buttons that Kline always handed out.
After the service, a state police guard escorted the flag-draped casket out of the church to the strains of "America, the Beautiful."
https://www.dailyitem.com/former-lt-gov-kline-honored-at-funeral-service/article_9bace1fa-a023-58a1-987e-1ac7a5d2f74d.html
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