August 02, 2021

Thank you Hempfield students for your kind words about my father.  You will be glad to know that “The Lord Bless You And Keep You” was sung at his service on July 17th.  As always, it was moving, and very, very special.
Susan K Liberati

July 29, 2021

I just recently learned that Mr. Kline has died. He was such a presence in my life I felt compelled to write here. Since I was always involved in music and theater at Hempfield, I spent more time with him than probably any other teacher I had. Year after year, I was singing in his choruses and acting or dancing in one of his shows. He managed to teach so much about the joy of music and theater to a bunch of teenagers. My love of music and theater were sparked by Mr. Kline when I saw “Oaklahoma” at Hempfield HS. I think I was in 6th grade. It was such a thrill. Thank you, Mr. Kline. I didn’t understand back then that you went to Columbia and worked in theaters far and wide. You were “just” my music teacher. I owe so much to you for all of the chances you gave me and the trust you placed in me. How fortunate we all were that he was there. I’m sure there are many other students who also had this experience with Mr. Kline. I hope this memory gives comfort to his family. Deepest condolences. 
Tracy Wuischpard, Hempfield class of 1976

July 29, 2021

My condolences to the Kline family. Mr. Kline was my chorus teacher and my “Styles of Music” teacher at Hempfield. I learned so much from both classes, and that knowledge has stayed with me my whole life. I remember him teaching us about Beethoven’s 6th Symphony and think about what he said every time I listen to it. Robin Baker below mentioned The Lord Bless You and Keep You, and I agree, when the Hempfield choir performed that, it was beautiful. I also remember him every time I hear it. He has left a lasting legacy with all of his students.
Laurie Taylor Leadbetter, ’78

July 17, 2021

My sincerest condolences to the Kline family. Mr. Kline was my mentor and inspired the love of and appreciation for music at Hempfield. As his accompianist for two years, I was able to know and learn from him behind the scenes. He gave me confidence and truely cared for his students. I am unable to be at his service today in person (recent knee surgery), but am with you in my thoughts and prayers. I think of him every time in church choir when we sing “The Lord Bless You and Keep You”. This song is a true blessing for him.
Robin Baker, Hempfield class of 1974

July 15, 2021

My sincere sympathy to Barbara and their family. My husband and I have been neighbors and friends of Barbara and Dick here at Lutheracres for many years. Everyone here appreciated his musical talents and friendly manner. He will be missed by all who knew him. I know that Barbara has health issues and my prayers are with her.
Marlene Samuelsen

July 13, 2021

MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE KLINE FAMILY FOR THE LOSS OF RICHARD. I AM A 1968 GRADUATE OF HEMPFIELD H. S. & MR. KLINE WAS MY MUSIC TEACHER & ONE OF MY MOST FAVORITE TEACHERS! MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU! 
Neil Cantor

July 11, 2021

Dear Barbara, Sue, Dave and respective families,
Please accept our prayers and sympathy at the loss of your husband/father/grandfather.
I’m sorry that we cannot attend the memorial service at Grace due to ongoing border travel restrictions but we know you will be surrounded by so many to celebrate his life that are two degrees of separation between us. There are far too numerous Kline family memories to recount here with you but you know them.  Most importantly to recount, it is Dick who helped kick start my nearly 50 years of making music for worship; it all started under his leadership at Grace singing in the choirs and then my first service playing on the bench at Grace when he would go forward for the Sacrament. You remain in our prayers and we give thanks for his witness and service to so many.  Blessings, Karen and David

July 10, 2021

Dear Barbara, Susan, Dave, and extended family,
My heartfelt sympathy is extended to all of you as you remember this man, both as a family man, as well as an accomplished musician and teacher.  Mr. Kline helped to formulate my interest in music in the early years as a student at Hempfield.  He served as the organist at Grace Lutheran Church, where he also performed at my wedding.  I have many memories of Mr. Kline, especially performing as a trombonist with the Hempfield singers, and the many musicals where I was part of the pit orchestra.  May his memories always stay in your heart. 
Sherry Ober Class of 1975 Hempfield High School

July 06, 2021

I am sorry for your loss. Hempfield High School, Class of  68
I remembered his face and knew it was a face of an old friend and teacher. I will always remember him. 
Rosemary Crouse Mohn

July 06, 2021

Sue,
May the memories of your father bring you comfort. 
Thinking of you. 
Cindy and Ned Longenecker

July 06, 2021

Mr. Kline was one of the people in my life who gave me the confidence and direction to be the best at what I love….I am sure he never realized how many lives he impacted! My condolences to the family….I know he will leave a place in your lives that only he could fill.
Lori Enterline

July 05, 2021

Thank you Mr. Kline! You were passionate about music and you were compassionate as a human being and one not more important than the other. Well done! Thank you for being a wonderful teacher and sharing your love of music with countless students! 
HHS class of 1982
Amy L Smith

July 05, 2021

I was honored to sing with Mr. Kline for several years at Hempfield High School. He had a true passion for music. To his family and friends, I wish peace and healing in his memories. 
Elizabeth Harvey — Class of 1980

June 08, 2021

Thank you, Mr. Kline, for providing so many of us with such quality experiences. We sing on, and we will continue to do so forever.
Judith Banzhaf Kruse

June 08, 2021

Mr. Kline was a skilled teacher who truly cared about his students.  He was knowledgeable and infused rigor into every lesson.  He had high expectations and he supported his students to be excellent. 
Stephanie (McFarland) Haus HHS class of 1986
 May the wonderful memories you hold be comforting during this time.

June 08, 2021

Feeling so grateful to have had Mr. Kline as my organ teacher at Hempfield High School during 1964-65.  Thank you Mr. Kline for sharing your wonderful gifts of teaching music with so many during your career.  So sorry to hear of his loss and my condolences and prayers to his wife, children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  
Judith Divet Bassett

June 07, 2021

I feel blessed to have been a student of Mr. Kline’s while he taught at Hempfield High School. He touched the lives of so many students, and his life is remembered with gratitude.  
Linda Morris Bear

June 07, 2021

My heart is saddened for your family as you are no longer with them here on this Earth.  But your guidance in music at HHS fed my love for music… all genres!  I can still sing the songs from the musicals and our choral concerts at local churches are still fresh in my mind.  I loved every music class you offered and your guidance in preparing for my studies at LVC. I am forever grateful that you played the organ at my wedding. I didn’t have the words then, but I do now.  You were more than a music teacher. Through your example, you taught respect, compassion, and grace.  Your faith in our Lord and Savior was evident in your manners and style of teaching as well.  Music has always been my passion and I am glad that I can use what you instilled in me so many years ago.  May God bless your family and comfort them.  May we all give thanks to God for placing you in our lives here on earth.  In Christ’s Love,
Tammy Herr Ebert HHS ‘75

June 07, 2021

My Sincere Condolences.. Warren S Taylor 
 

June 07, 2021

I am sorry for lost. He wonderful person and teacher. He was blessing to have in school
Margaret Frances barlow Ackley