Robert Dale Kline

Robert Dale Kline, 81, of South Bend, passed away peacefully during the morning hours of Wednesday, February 19th surrounded by his loving family.

Robert was born in Bremen, Indiana on February 1, 1944. He was a lifelong area resident and was raised by his mother, Wilma and stepfather Marcus Huston. After graduating high school, he met the love of his life, Lynn Benninghoff. They married on July 3, 1964, in the Southlawn United Methodist Church. They shared 60 years together.

Upon graduating from Penn High School, Robert began working at the South Bend Supply company.  He worked in different areas before exceling in an outside sales position, often receiving top sales accolades. His time was marked with honesty, integrity and diligence.

Robert prized sharing the love of Jesus, was a long-time member of the Lay Witness Mission Ministry, and began the Kline Ministries, Inc.  He served as an elder for Lester Sumrall at Christian Center, and for Steve Sumrall at Christ Chapel.

Robert enjoyed traveling, golfing, and going fishing, yet his greatest joy came from spending time with his loving family.  He was known for his sense of humor, kindness and generosity.  Having grown up on the farm, he was a handy man, problem solver, and loved imparting that knowledge.  This world was a better place because of his kind, gentle spirit and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Lynn (Benninghoff) Kline, along with their two sons, Terry Lee Kline of Warsaw, Indiana and Jeffrey Alan Kline (Linda) of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. He was the proud grandfather of 5, Taylor (Anna) English, Jessica, Madison, Claire and Bryce (Emma) Kline. Robert is also survived by his brother, Bradley Lee Kline of Mishawaka.

Friends may visit with Robert’s family on Sunday, February 23rd from 4:00 until 6:00pm in the Hanley and Sons Funeral Home, 23421 State Road 23, South Bend. A funeral service honoring Robert’s life will be held at Noon on Monday, February 24th at Christ Chapel, 3402 S. Locust Rd., South Bend, IN 46614, with Pastor Steve Sumrall officiating. He will be laid to rest at Southlawn Cemetery of South Bend.

The HANLEY and Sons Funeral Home “Southwest Chapel” and Cremation Service is assisting with arrangements and extends our deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to all of Robert’s family and friends.   

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