Richard A. Klein

Jan. 25, 1933--Jan. 25, 2011

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Richard Allen Klein, 78, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday (Jan. 25, 2011), his 78th birthday, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

He was born Jan. 25, 1933, in McCook, Nebraska, the son of the late Jacob L. and Anna (Seiffert) Klein. He was baptized and confirmed in the German Congregational Church in McCook. Richard grew up in McCook where he graduated from McCook High School in 1951. He attended the University of Nebraska for two years before returning to McCook where he graduated from McCook Jr. College.

On June 13, 1954, Richard married his high school sweetheart Barbara Jane Ninemires in McCook. In 1955, Richard was drafted into the U.S. Army. Following his Honorable Discharge in 1957, he returned to McCook where he joined his father in the family farming operation. Following the death of his father in 1964, Richard continued on the family farm south of McCook. He had a passion for raising cattle, hogs and wheat as well as providing a wonderful life for his family.

Richard spent many countless hours giving his time to causes that he believed in. He was instrumental in starting the Association for Retarded Children in 1968 in McCook. He had continued until the time of his death to be an integral part of carrying out the functions of this rewarding organization. Richard was on the first elected board of the Red Willow Western Rural Fire District. He has served on the board for 33 years where he was the secretary treasurer at the time of his death. He diligently tried to preserve the future of the rural schools in Nebraska by supporting the Class I United organization. He served as president and support system for many years of the District 8 rural school where his children attended school.

One of his greatest joys was watching his grandchildren grow up and attending their various activities of rodeo, showing cattle, roping, learning to ride horses, baseball games, trains, and beating them in a good game of Chinese Checkers. He also shared many stories that will be forever cherished.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Corvin; and two sisters, Gene Engen and Marian Klein.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Barbara of McCook; two daughters, Ruth Ann Klein of McCook and Sally Lynn Henderson and husband, Doug of Alliance, Nebraska; two sons, Richard Mark Klein and wife, Penny of Alexandria, Virginia and Chris Klein and wife, Robin of McCook; 10 grandchildren, Shea, Sage and Cody Henderson, Lexi and Jacob Klein, Kerrigan and Gavyn Klein, Kimberly Trask, Trent and Payton Cook; and numerous other family members and a multitude of friends.

Funeral services are Saturday, 2:30 p.m., at the Congregational Church in McCook with the Rev. Steve Bales officiating. Interment is in Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook.

The family will be greeting friends at Herrmann Funeral Home from 7-9 p.m. on Friday.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Herrmann Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.