Entered into eternal life, Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at the age of 47. Born March 30, 1973, in Milwaukee Wisconsin.
He is survived by father Robert Kline, beloved son of Kris (Keith) Jamieson, sister Julie (Tom) Felser, nephew Jack Felser, niece Alyssa Felser, and many other relatives and friends. A special thank you to friends Mark and Karen Bohlmann, and his family within the Milwaukee Police Department and the Milwaukee Fire Department.
From a young age, he always wanted to be a police officer and have the opportunity to help people. His maternal grandfather was Captain of the State Patrol and inspired Tommy with stories of work whenever they were together. Tommy served in the United States Marines Corps as Military Police for four years. Following he went through training at the Milwaukee Police Academy and was sworn in as an officer on July 25, 2001.
He will be remembered as a kind-hearted man with empathy for all. He had recently been awarded for his dedication to the homeless in the city of Milwaukee. He was always there to lend a hand and will be missed dearly.
Visitation to be held on Monday, September 14th, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 1:45 PM at St. Anthony on the Lake, W280 N2101 Prospect Avenue, Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Memorial Service to follow at 2:00 PM.
Tom reached out to help the homeless in a way that others could not. He saved lives and treated everyone with empathy. To honor Tom’s legacy, the family requests in lieu of flowers, donations made to the organization that Tom worked with: Milwaukee County Housing Division, 600 West Walnut Street, Ste 100, Milwaukee, WI 53212 – Attention: James Mathy. Please note in the memo line Housing First.
“Fox Point, WI – Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) Officer Thomas “Tommy” Kline died by suicide on Sept. 1.
The 47-year-old officer reached out to WITI by phone just moments before his death, according to the news outlet.
Officer Kline called the assignment desk from Doctors Park, a secluded beach area along Lake Michigan.
The off-duty officer spoke to WITI about the stress of this past summer, then said he planned to take his own life.
Officer Kline died just moments later, according to the news outlet.
Police found his body at the park shortly thereafter.
WITI said it shared the story about Officer Kline’s final phone call at the request of his family.
Milwaukee Police Association (MPA) Dale Bormann said that Officer Kline was a very well-known and well-liked member of the MPD.
“This year has been extremely difficult for our officers dealing with what’s going on in the streets right now,” Bormann told WITI. “We’ve got to do a better job of taking care of ourselves and taking care of each other.”
Officer Kline, a Milwaukee native, served in the U.S. Marine Corps as an officer for four years prior to attending the Milwaukee Police Academy, according to his obituary.
He joined the MPD on July 25, 2001.
“From a young age, he always wanted to be a police officer and have the opportunity to help people,” his obituary read. “His maternal grandfather was Captain of the State Patrol and inspired Tommy with stories of work whenever they were together.”
Officer Kline’s family said he will be remembered as a kind-hearted man who had empathy for everyone he met.
“He had recently been awarded for his dedication to the homeless in the city of Milwaukee,” according to the tribute. “He was always there to lend a hand and will be missed dearly.”
Officer Kline leaves behind his parents, sister, nephew, niece, and many friends and extended family members.
He will be laid to rest on Sept. 14.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Milwaukee Police Department Officer Thomas “Tommy” Kline, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.”