Robert A. "Bob" Kline, age 88, of Bloomsburg, passed away on Wednesday morning, April 10, 2024, at the Bonham Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Stillwater. Bob was a lifelong resident of Bloomsburg.
Bob was born on Tuesday, May 14, 1935 in Bloomsburg, a son of the late Stanley Millard, Sr. and Helen (Benshoff) Kline. He graduated from Bloomsburg High School in 1953. Bob expanded his education by attending the former Bloomsburg State Teachers College. He faithfully served in the United States Army during the Korean War as a Military Police Officer from 1958-1960. He played baseball there and was selected to the Army's All-Star Team. This was very special to him since he played with and against minor leagues and college players. Bob married his loving wife, Anita Louise Kline in 1962, she preceded him in death in 1999. For over 21 years, he was employed by Milco Industries as a Personnel Director until his retirement in 1992.
Previously, he was employed for 18 years at Magee Carpet Company in Quality Control and the Industrial Engineering Department. Bob was the last member of the local Kline baseball family. Bob, his brother, Stan Jr. and Uncle Don played together at Orangeville in the Tri-County League with his father managing the team. They had many successful seasons and played when there were many local outstanding baseball players. He was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church, Bloomsburg. Bob was also a past member of Susquehanna Valley Personnel Management Association, Bloomsburg Area Chamber of Commerce and Wesley United Methodist Church Administration Board.
He enjoyed college football especially Penn State where he had season tickets for many years. In earlier years, he never missed high school or sporting events. Bob was an animal lover and always owned a dog. He was an avid hunter every year from 1948-1960, the only exception was being in the military. He enjoyed cooking and especially enjoyed making homemade coconut cream eggs at Easter for his family. He loved being around children and when seeing little ones with their parents, he would often give them a monetary gift and so enjoyed the look on the child's face!
In addition to his parents and wife, Bob was also preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Miller, and a brother, Stanley M. Kline, Jr.
Survivors include his sister; Bonnie Pursel and husband Arthur of Camp Hill; three nieces, Kelly Novak and husband Emil of Nescopeck, Kathy Klingerman and husband Brian of Bloomsburg, Jennifer Rudrow and husband Robert of Enola; three nephews, Matthew Miller and his wife Linda of Camp Hill David Pursel and his wife Lisa of Camp Hill, Arthur Pursel, Jr. and his wife Diann all of Eagles Mere, two sisters-in-law: Marge Schlusser and her husband John of Carlisle, Joan Evans and her husband Ronald of Pendleton, IN, a brother-in-law; Dr. Raymond Campbell and his wife Kim of Haverton, PA, as well as numerous great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.
A time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, April 15, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Allen Funeral Home, Inc. 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg.
Funeral Services will begin on Monday, April 15, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Allen Funeral Home, Inc. with Eileen Chapman, officiating. Graveside committal services will immediately follow in the New Rosemont Cemetery, Bloomsburg with military honors provided by the V.F.W. and American Legion Honor Guard. The Allen Funeral Home, Inc., is honored to be serving the Kline family.
Memorial contributions in Bob's Name are suggested to: Agape, PO Box 424, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 or Animal Resource Center, PO Box 439 Bloomsburg, PA 17815.