Marvin Leo Klein, 88, died on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha. He was born at home on a farm north of Earling, on Oct. 1, 1935, to Ray and Marie (Jacoby) Klein. He was the fourth of 11 children. They moved to Defiance, and he began school at St. Peter’s until they moved to Dunlap in March of 1943. Marvin graduated from St. Joseph’s in 1953. He joined the Army Reserves in 1955, and attended Camp McCoy. In 1956, Marvin went to California to help an uncle who had a heart attack but came back to help plant in the spring. He was encouraged by his uncle to go to college. Marvin enrolled at Woodbury College and got a business degree, graduating in 1959. He missed graduation to attend Army Reserve camp at Fort Hunter Liggett and Camp Roberts. After Marvin’s graduation, General Kellog of the 101st Artillery division promoted him to a driver. While at camp, he had the honor of driving 4-star General McArther, grandson of the original General. After graduation and camp, Marvin returned to Iowa with a plan to attend UCLA engineering class in the fall but while he was back in Iowa, he met Dolores Stessman. While he decided if she was the one, he began working in Omaha in sales. Marvin and Dolores were married in 1960. In 1963, they moved to a farm in Dunlap. They were blessed with six children. In 1970, Marvin began to discern that he had a ministry to serve as a Deacon, began studying and was ordained in 1974. In 1979, he served as the Diocesan Deaconate Director and had the honor of being Deacon at Living History Farms when Pope John II came to the heartland.
Marvin enjoyed riding horses, especially racehorses at county fairs. He liked helping on the family farm. Marvin also found joy serving as Deacon and helping with funerals, visitations, baptisms and preaching on Sundays.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Gerald Peter Klein; brothers, Gerald, James and Francis Klein; sisters-in-law, Betty, Sharon and Fran Klein; and daughter-in-law, Jodi Klein. He is survived by his wife, Dolores; children, Bill Klein of Dunlap, Ann (Pat) Gredys of Omaha, Paul Klein of Dunlap, Gene (Teri) Klein of Papillion and John (Jayne) Klein of Woodbine; 20 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; eight siblings, Neil Klein of Omaha, Duane Klein of Dunlap, Sharon (Kenneth) Livingston of Denison, Robert Klein of Dunlap, Janet (Ronald) Seeley of Brookings, S.D., Linda Struck of West Des Moines, Judy (Larry) Leinen of Denison; sisters-in-law, Virginia Klein and Phyllis Klein both of Dunlap; and many other relatives and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dunlap. The celebrant was Rev. Joel McNeil assisted by Deacon Gail Stessman. The concelebrants were Rev. Larry Gillig and Rev. Wayne Gubbels. The musicians were Karen English, Ken Hanson and Carol, Andrew and Bennett McDonald. The pallbearers were Christian Klein, Carter Klein, Nate Klein, Ryan Klein, Josh Gredys, Matt Gredys, Jacob Klein, Shawn Klein, Nick Klein, Drew Klein, Jordan Klein, Cody McDonough and Lane McDonough. Marvin’s final resting place is at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
Fouts Funeral Home in Dunlap was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
