Francis Kline

Francis Howard Kline, a beloved brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, & great great grandfather, passed away at the age of 89 on January 3rd, 2026.

Frank was born in Baltimore on May 9th, 1936 to George Frederick and Marie Louise Kline. At the age of 18, Frank joined the United States Army, where he embarked on a journey to Germany alongside his brother Jack, contributing to the post-World War II reconstruction efforts.

Upon his return, he began working as a door-to-door Fuller Brush salesman before finding a niche as a customs worker, where his gift for languages and his ability to communicate with foreign seamen allowed him to serve as their interpreter, guiding them to doctor’s appointments and ensuring their needs were understood and met.

In later years, Frank worked for the state of Maryland in maintenance, contributing to significant projects such as the Bay Bridge, the Harbor Tunnel, and as maintenance supervisor in the prison pre-release system.

Frank had a strong faith in God and a special love for St. Francis, expressed in his love for animals and in projects he volunteered for including fundraising for the Joseph Richey Hospice House in Baltimore and helping out on weekends at St Gabriel’s Retreat House in Catonsville.

Frank was a man of many passions and found joy in the great outdoors, often spending his free time fishing and hunting. He loved music, books, singing, playing chess and whistling. Above all, Frank cherished his family. He loved his children and grandchildren deeply, always encouraging them to dream big and pursue their passions.

He is survived by his wife, Dawn Kline, children Colleen Salamone (Victor), Patrick Kline (Amy), Michael Kline (Christy), stepchildren Kelli Helbling (Todd), and Brian Farrell (Mary), grandchildren Zakk, Zeke (Bailey); Naomi Karzai, Sonja Clark, Bella Kline, Dylan Otterbien; Aidan, Sophie, Austin, Emily, Shelby (Kline); Luke, Jonah, Mary Lee, Ellie, Peter, Jacob, Nathan (Helbling); great grandchildren Michaelina Bowers, Zack Bailey; Hudson, Remy (Bailey), Nora, Oliver (Clark), Amaya, Isaac (Karzai) great great grandchildren Sicily & Taylor (Epps) and Morgan (Helbling), and brother Albert (Melody) Kline.

Frank is preceded in death by his father and mother George and Marie Kline, brothers James (Jack) Kline, George Kline, and Donald Kline, and sons Francis Kline, Jr. and Brian Kline.

The family invites friends and loved ones to join in celebrating Frank’s life. Visitation will be held at the Candle Light Funeral Home on Monday, January 12th 2-4pm and 6-8pm. A funeral service will be held at Candle Light Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 13th at 10am, followed by a short graveside service at the Baltimore National Cemetery.

Flowers are welcome, however, if you wish to donate in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Baltimore Humane Society, reflecting Frank’s spirit of giving and support for animals.