lorene v. klein

life story

11 Children, 23 Grandchildren, 29 Great-Grandchildren, and a Great-Great-Grandson

"I'm glad to have lived through the thirties, forties, and fifties. Life was more simple back then. Nowadays people are so busy they don’t have enough time to really enjoy life. My advice is to slow down."

About Lorene

Lorene was born on July 31, 1916 in Balltown, Iowa, daughter of Clement and Elizabeth (Neuses) Hansen. She was a 1935 graduate of Immaculate Conception Academy in Dubuque. She married Robert J. Klein on June 16, 1936, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque; he preceded her in death on April 26, 1992. Lorene was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. She was a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church and Rosary Society. After her children were grown, at the tender age of 80, she took up golfing and an interest in politics. Lorene looked forward to the annual mother/daughter weekend getaway. She also enjoyed crocheting.

Surviving are 5 daughters, Mrs. Richard (Lavonne) Theis, of Peosta, Iowa, Mrs. Eldon (Virginia) Wilgenbusch, of Rickardsville, Iowa, Mrs. Kenneth (Joyce) Oyen, of Liberty, Mo., Mrs. Donald (Norma) Wilgenbusch, of Rickardsville, and Marikay Klein, of Minneapolis, Minn.; 4 sons, Robert F. (Dorothy) Klein,

Vernon "Butch" (Connie) Klein, Wayne Klein, of Peosta, and James "Dude" Klein, all of Dubuque; and 23 grandchildren 29 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Joan Klein in infancy; a son, Francis Klein; and a granddaughter, Nicole Sessions.