Father Lawrence “Larry” J. Klein

Remembering ‘Father Larry’

Harlingen pastor passes away after long illness

HARLINGEN — Father Lawrence (Larry) J. Klein, 66, longtime pastor of St. Anthony Parish in Harlingen, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020 after a protracted illness.

“Father Larry was very proud of his parish,” said Bishop Daniel E. Flores at the Rosary for Father Klein Jan. 29 at St. Anthony Church. “The parish gave him life, and even in the midst of his struggle, he was looking forward to what he could do next and get back to work.”

Father Pat Seitz, in his homily at the Funeral Mass, talked about Father Klein’s commitment to serve even as his health declined: When asked how he was feeling, he always said, “I’m fine.”

“I believe he responded that way for several reasons,” Father Seitz said. “One, he didn’t want us to worry or fuss about him … Second, Larry was a very private person. However, he could not hide his illness all that well since you had to see him at the weekend Masses …

“Third, he was afraid that if Bishop Flores caught wind of another hospital visit, this time he might really make him retire.”

“All these reasons are true, but I believe the most important reason for saying, ‘I’m fine,’ is that he loved being a priest,” Father Seitz said. “He loved serving the people of God, and he never wanted his health to get in the way of his ministry. He had a strong will to live and he had a strong call to serve.”

“It was a struggle for him to walk up to the altar,” Bishop Flores said. “But he would say, ‘No matter how long it takes me to get to the altar, I am going to get there.’ There is a dignity in this – ‘I’m going to keep on for as long as God gives me strength to keep on. Y lo voy hacerlo con ganas.’”

Father Klein was born on Nov. 20, 1953 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 16, 1984 by Bishop John J. Fitzpatrick.

He served in these parishes in the Diocese of Brownsville: San Martin de Porres Parish in Weslaco; St. Anne Parish in Pharr; St. Joseph the Worker Parish in McAllen; St. Pius X Parish in Weslaco; St. Margaret Mary Parish in Pharr; Sacred Heart Parish in Mercedes; St. Francis Xavier Parish in La Feria; Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Brownsville; and most recently for nine years at St. Anthony Parish.

As pastor, it was important for him to build community. He worked diligently with various groups in each of his parishes and emphasized church unity. He had a wide range of experience in ministry and befriended many people throughout the diocese.

Father Klein had a passion for social justice and working with the poor. In the early years of his ministry, he was a leader with Valley Interfaith, working alongside others to bring paving, lighting, sewer services, and potable water to the colonias. He also worked on other social justice issues, such as health care, job training and living wages.

As a respected member of the presbyterate, he served on numerous diocesan boards and committees supporting his bishops, advocating for his brother priests and promoting a diocesan vision.

Father Klein was devoted to Catholic education. It was his vision that any child who wanted a Catholic education should be given the opportunity to receive one, so he initiated the Angel Scholarship Program to assist families with limited resources.  Father Klein continued to bring laughter, encouragement and concern for the well-being of the teachers and students throughout his severe illness.

 “Larry had a favorite saying at the end of each day, ‘Sleep with the angels,’” Father Seitz said. “And I’d like to say, you are right, Larry, you are fine. Sleep with the angels, Brother.”

Father Klein is survived by several siblings, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and many friends. He was devoted to his two rescued dogs, Cholula and Charlie Klein.

Serving as pallbearers at his funeral were Tom Brason, Father Jerry Frank, Clifford Kraemer, Father Cesar Partida, Father Patrick Seitz, Daniel Stemmler, Father Luis Roberto Tinajero and Timothy Ward, with interment at Heavenly Grace Cemetery in La Feria.

Story by The Valley Catholic