Skip to main content

James Klein

Lead Summary

James A. Klein, 94, Luverne, died Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne.
A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, at the American Reformed Church in Luverne. Burial with military honors will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.
James Klein was born on July 10, 1927, to Arthur and Susie (Altena) Klein in Sioux County, Iowa. He spent his childhood on the family farm and attended Sioux County country school through the eighth grade. After school, Jim helped his dad on the farm. He loved to farm and that passion never waned.
On Nov. 27, 1945, James enlisted in the United States Army. He served his country, ranked as corporal, until his honorable discharge on Feb. 15, 1947.
Jim married Geraldine Smits on Dec. 8, 1950, in Maurice, Iowa. The couple made their home on the farm in Springwater Township in Rock County. While remaining active in farming, Jim started Klein Tractor Salvage in Pipestone in 1965. Jim worked hard at his business and farming and took pride in a job well done. He continued to farm and work at the store until his formal retirement in 1993.
Geraldine preceded him in death on Sept. 22, 1998. In January 2020 Jim became a resident at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne.
Jim was a member of the American Reformed Church in Luverne. He enjoyed traveling with Geraldine in their motor home, especially their winters spent in Texas. He enjoyed coffee with his “education class” and John Deere tractors. He loved his time spent with family, and he will be remembered for his honesty and hard work ethic as well as being a sweet man who enjoyed telling stories.
He is survived by his children, Stanley (Sandra “Cookie”) Klein of Waukee, Iowa, Glenda (Mark) Schneekloth of Luverne, and Donna Klein of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; four grandchildren, Jared Scheekloth, Melissa (Rick) Westberg, Amy (Shane) Wright and Ann (Nick) Jaques; and three great-grandchildren, Sommer Schneekloth, Bryson Wright and Garrett Wright; and a brother, Adrian Klein of Pipestone.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine; his parents; and his siblings and their spouses, Clarence (Bertha) Klein, Alice (Fred) Langstraat and Sam (Dorothy) Klein; and sister-in-law Albertha Klein.
Arrangements were provided by Hartquist Funeral Home of Luverne, hartquistfuneral.com.
(1007 F)

You must log in to continue reading. Log in or subscribe today.