M.D. Robert Arnold Klein

Charles and Frances Klein, along with his big brother Russ, welcomed Robert Arnold Klein to the world on June 20, 1951. He had three brothers, Denny, Kenny and baby boy Klein, who passed away due to Rh factor incompatibility. Bob was the first baby in Denver to survive a total blood transfusion.

His childhood memories were endless, and he enthusiastically shared stories with endearing detail of days filled with adventure, curiosity, love and laughter. He was gifted with lifetime friends, particularly from his neighborhood and Thomas Jefferson High School. Bob loved sports and participated in football, basketball and swimming. Many family members have worn his favorite jersey number, #22. He loved demonstrating his backstroke flawless flip turn.

Bob had numerous summer jobs and his character was formed by many of these experiences. He made very conscious life choices:

~ work, don’t worry

~ always strive to be happy

~ remain humble

Early on, Bob developed a keen interest in science, particularly biology. He attended University of Colorado, Boulder for undergraduate study as well as medical school. His residency was spent in Phoenix, where he eventually chose Anesthesia as his life’s work. He worked for several anesthesia groups and was a founding member of Metro Anesthesia.

He met his wife, Jean, working in the Lithotripsy recovery room at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Both became firm believers in love at first sight and the God of second chances. Jean loved that at 6’4” she could never lose Bob in a crowd, and never for a moment did she ever grow tired of noticing how breathtakingly handsome he was or lose sight of the gentleness of his soul.

If Bob loved you, then you have a nickname. So his children Amber, Brie, Lauren, Kelsey, Keegan and Kolten, are better known as Boney, Breezy Mageezy Magoney Magoosh, Jabba, Puddin’ and Pie, Keegandolito mi hijo bueno, and Professor/”O”. He expressed deep gratitude that he was able to raise all of his kids, and he was able to work a job he loved.

He particularly treasured his time as a member of the Tempe Diablos, a fan of the Colorado Buffaloes, Denver Broncos, Phoenix Suns, Arizona Cardinals the Phoenix Symphony, and his many years as a doctor on the sideline for the ASU Sun Devils.

He is survived by his wife Jean, his children Amber Klein (Chris), Brianna Lopez (Jesse), Lauren Davis (Brian), Kelsey Pietropaolo (Joe), Keegan Klein (Sedona), Kolten Klein (Remi), his brother Russ Klein (Mary), his grandkids, nieces and nephews, in-laws, dear friends, colleagues, and thousands of patients whom he deeply and expertly cared for.

Memorial Service to be held at All Saints Lutheran Church, 15649 N 7th St. in Phoenix on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 4:00P.M. A reception will follow. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers consider donating to:

~ The family continues to honor Bob by funding a one-time scholarship in his name with the Tempe Diablos. The family welcomes support in remembrance of Bob and asks that donations be made to the Robert A. Klein, M.D. Scholarship in his name at

www.tempediablos.org

, where a link in Bob’s honor has been established.

~ Rocky Mountain National Park Conservancy

~ American Cancer Society