Charles “Charlie” W. Kline, 79, of Middlebury, Ind., passed away peacefully Dec. 26 at his home in Middlebury.
Kline founded Elkhart’s Crystal Valley Sales in 1990 and has been running it with his wife, Nancy, since then. He was well known in the RV industry and will be remembered as being a man of faith. Kline also enjoyed racing horses, motorcycles and was a member of the Son’s of the American Legion, Elkhart Truth reported.
Crystal Valley Sales began as a three-person operation out of a small, rented space, the company’s website said. It has grown to 12 employees and relocated to a 32,000-square-foot warehouse in Elkhart. Originally, Crystal Valley said it offered a single product line, but has expanded to more than 15 additional lines from manufacturers located across the U.S. and international territories. The website said Kline credited his success to recruiting and retaining highly motivated, customer service-driven employees. He credited hard work, determination and the ability to stay focused on the needs of his customers as leading to the tremendous growth of his business, the website said.
Kline was born in Elkhart on Dec. 2, 1942, to the late Harold and Thelma (Wagner) Kline. On Dec. 13, 1980, he married Nancy Holden; she survives along with one daughter and four stepdaughters.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date, Elkhart Truth reported. Memorial contributions may be given to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Read the obituary from the Elkhart Truth here.