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Edward Klein Obituary
Edward was proud to have served in the Anti-Aircraft unit of the Delaware National Guard in WWII. He participated in the first invasion unit in the Northern Salamon Islands and spent 4 years in the South Pacific Islands during the war. He returned home to Lincoln in 1946 to run the family bakery business and expanded into apartments, downtown parking lots, commercial real estate, and farming on his acreage near Waverly. In recognition of the contribution that the Klein family made to the area of 11th & G, the area was named Klein's Corner.
Edward's passion of travel took him all over the world from the South Pacific Islands to Germany to Russia where he renewed friendships with various relatives that remained there. His love of flying his plane landed him in every airport in Neb. in his lifetime and booked him on various flights on the Concorde to London and Paris. He went to the Summer Olympics in Moscow, Russia and Seoul, South Korea to cheer on the U.S. teams participating there and at the age of 70 he didn't slow down any, taking up scuba diving which took him on numerous dives off Belize. Edward will be remembered by many with his trademark license plate "V Gates" on his car and his jovial sense of humor.
Ed was a lifelong member of the Ebenezer United Church of Christ as well as a member of the Masonic Lodge #19 and the Shriners from 1953 to 2007. He was a lifelong resident of Lincoln and attended Park and Everett Schools, as well as Lincoln High.
Survivors: sister, Mildred Klein Heaton; brother, Wesley D. and Betty Klein, both of Lincoln; nephews, Mike and Sally Heaton, Overland Park, Kan.; John W. and Cheryl Klein; Duane Klein; David Klein, all of Lincoln; and niece, Lanea and Derek Beattie, Lincoln. Preceded in death by his parents; sister, Gertrude Mavis Klein; and brother-in-law, James Heaton.
The family is honoring Ed's request for no services. Following cremation there will be a private family burial. Memorials to Shriners Hospital, 12502 Pine Drive, Tampa, FL 33612. Butherus, Maser, and Love Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edward Klein
Loran Forbes
April 22, 2023
This popped up on my facebook memories today. What great memories I have of being his pastor and friend. Pass the doughnuts please!
Wally and Marj Schwabauer
May 7, 2008
We will miss our friend and the old time discussions of our youth and military times, but especially the talks about our heritage and all the experiences that Ed and I had. He was a hard worker and a truly good friend. Our condolences to his family.
Susan Lervig
May 4, 2008
My Deepest Sympathy to the Klein family. We really enjoyed Ed in our painting classes.
Harry Wagner
May 3, 2008
You're in my prayers.
DENNIS DUCKWORTH
May 3, 2008
Wes & Mildred:
My condolences to you and the family. I'll miss Ed's smile and wave as he would pass by.
Janet (Kruse) Winslow
May 3, 2008
When I was a little girl, my mom and I would always stop at Klein's Bakery on our way home from visiting my grandmother, who lived in the south bottom. Years later, I met Ed through my uncle, who told Ed I would love tickets to the NU football games. Ed got me tickets for years until my name was picked from the football lottery. Sometimes on football Saturdays Ed would stop by my uncle's place and say hello. I don't think Ed ever met a stranger.
Terry & Darlene Thompson
May 3, 2008
Ed was a good friend, neighbor, and landlord. We enjoyed his stories about his trips, especially his trip across Europe into Russia.
We will always remember him driving in with his little red car and handing us some bread, runzas, or brownies that he had made. He was very considerate. Every time he saw us, he would ask how our family was doing. We will miss him.
Rick & Janice Johns
May 3, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to the Klein family. Ed was a very important part of my life. He was Uncle Ed to me for many years. A memory I shared with him not too long ago, was that on my 7th birthday he brought me a "real" birthday cake (not a homemade one) What a special gift that was too me! Thru the years Ed has joined our family for many special family occaisions and dinners. We so enjoyed his company and contributions to each of those special times. The last dinner with Ed in February was of his own planning, and was the most special. He just seemed to sit back and take great pleasure in watching us, the "younger generation" enjoy ourselves. He was a man with a gift of laughter, great stories, friendship, and the joy of giving. I am the daughter of Elmer and Lovella Zajicek to help you put perspective to who I am. God Bless.
Donna & Ralph Giebelhaus
May 3, 2008
We will always remember Ed & The Klein Family for their kindness to the American Forward Aux. & the American Forward Assoc. Only a small part of his kindness to several groups. Donna & Ralph L. Giebelhaus
Leah Greenwalt
May 2, 2008
Sorry to hear of Ed's passing. Fond memories of being a neighbor and visiting at the bakery.
My best and God bless
Leah (Worster) Greenwalt
Kim Severson
May 2, 2008
I met Ed in the early 80's when he used to come into Contractors Supply to buy materials to repair his roof at Klein's. I will always remember his V GATES on his license plate and I still visited with him at the Village Inn, 66 & O every Saturday morning, when he came in for breakfast. I will really miss not seeing Ed or hearing some of his stories. kim & Rose Severson
Jon & Pauline Colton
May 1, 2008
We really enjoyed the times we spent going out to eat with Ed & Randy & Jackie. We always invited Ed to all the "Colton" parties, & he came to them & shared all his stories & jokes with anyone who would listen to him. Had a lot of good times with Ed.
Loved baking runzas & bread at his house & of course, having a sample of what was made. He always came & talked to us when we went fishing at his place, & showing us how he talked to the fish. We will miss him always.
Ed and Nicole (Lowell) Keifer
May 1, 2008
Klein Family
We will never forget his generosity. At our wedding he said, "You don't know me, I'm Ed Klien." When we opened our gifts the next day we got a gift from him and too this day we are still touched by the fact that we got a gift from someone "We don't know." God Bless Ed and his family!
Dave and Ann Rau
May 1, 2008
In the late 40's I had a paper route and in the winter time I would go in the back door of Klein's Bakery and Ed would let me fold my papers out of the cold. His mother and Ed would never let me leave without a doughnut. They both knew there were kids in the neighborhood that often couldn't afford the price of a doughnut. In the 50's, when I walked from 9th and B Streets to Lincoln High School, in the winter time I would go in the back door of Klein's to warm up. These are fond memories of Ed and of that era. He will be missed by many. God's speed, Ed.
Michelle George
May 1, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Klein family. My father grew up with Ed and I enjoyed talking with Ed. He was funny and always had great stories. The Reinholdt George family.
George Stroh
May 1, 2008
Eddie was a long time friend of my late father, Al Stroh, and for all of the Stroh family, our sincere condolences to the Klein family. May God bless you.
Diane Hourigan
April 30, 2008
To the Klein family,
My parents, Arnold and Lois Frankforter, thought the world of Ed. He was so generous to them over the years and they always enjoyed the times they spent with him. Dad made a point of having me meet with Ed years ago when I was contemplating an investment and Ed went over all the pros and cons with me. That is the only time I actually remember meeting him but Dad spoke about him so much I feel like I knew him well. He will be missed! I am so sorry for your loss. Diane (Frankforter) Hourigan
Deb Lowell
April 30, 2008
The Klein family,
My memories of Ed go back to my childhood during the 60's. I can still see him at Klein's bakery in his apron covered with flour. Whenever you saw him he'd make you laugh : . ) He was a wonderful and generous man. He was one-of-a-kind and a real character! He stayed in touch with my family over all those years. He will be deeply missed. God bless you and your family during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Stan & Deb Lowell
Jerry
April 30, 2008
I worked at Mettlers Family Bakery for a few years. Ed would come in every once in awhile. He had a great sense of humor and I learned something from him everytime. Great man. Didn't waste a minute of his life!
Shelly Davis
April 30, 2008
Mildred & Wes,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Altough i did not know ed personally, everyone knew of him around the shop and always had kind things to say about him...We have enjoyed and appreciated your family using our Company for your heating & cooling needs.. Ed is with the good lord now and in a much better place. May he give you peace at this difficult time.
sheryl McCoy
April 29, 2008
Ed was one my most favorite guests at village inn. I told him so just a few months ago, and he asked "really?" and I said yes you brighten my day; you make me smile every Saturday when you come in. He was a class act. He made this world a better place.
Loran Forbes
April 29, 2008
Ed was by far the most generous man I ever met. During the more than 13 years I served as Ed's pastor at Ebenezer, I found him to be encouraging and supportive, even while a bit rambunctious. My condolences to his family, church, and friends.
Wesley Decker
April 29, 2008
Wes my condolences on the loss of your bother.He must have been a wonderful guy and a fellow Shriner. Think of you often and the wonderful homemade sausage .
April 29, 2008
To the Klein family
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family
Doug Hardin and Dorothy Kojdecki
Richard Miller
April 29, 2008
My condolences.
Jack English
April 29, 2008
We had known Ed and his beautiful smile for many years and coming into the bakery for soooo many years. What a wonderful family the Kleins are and were, accept our deepest sympathy,
Jack Joy English
Jim Ritzman
April 28, 2008
Wes....What a shock. I just visited with Ed a few weeks ago. As usual, we had a good conversation and he looked like he was doing better.
We kept up with each other over the past year or so since he lived at Gramecy for a while where my mom does. And when he went to Madonna I would go over and visit him there also.
I've known Eddie since the mid 60's when I would meet him on occasion at the Auditorium door at 5am with his arms full of doughnuts for the Roller Skaters.
We also went on several diving trips together in the 90's. He was always very friendly and a pleasure to know....as are you. My prayers and condolences to your family.
Harvey Gates
April 28, 2008
To the Klein Family:
I go bacckto the days of the bakery in the 30's and always enjoyed Ed. He always told me that he got my auto sigh V GAtes and am sorry about his passing and will miss him. Thanks for bringing him and you Mildred to my party. As EV Harvey Gates
Jim&Connie Riggert
April 28, 2008
Klein Family
Sorry to learn of Ed passing away.
He will be missed. Our thoughts
and prayers are with you.
God Bless
Cheryl McClimans-Sieck
April 28, 2008
Each and every memory I have of Ed brings a smile to my face, his contagious laughter and adventurous personality will be forever remembered. Our family had the pleasure of last seeing Ed at Grandmother's restaurant for a meal on February 15. He will be missed by many.
Jim OHare
April 28, 2008
Mildred,
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
It was a pleasure to have known Ed. He was always happy and enjoyed every minute of everyday. I first got to know Ed in Klein's Bakery when I was going to College at UNL. The best bakery in Lincoln. Little did I know that Ed would do business with me 35 years later.
Jim O'Hare EVP, Horizon Bank Waverly, NE
Kathy Sherman
April 28, 2008
Ed was full of life and always had a smile on his face and a good joke to tell. He was a dear friend. My Mother used to bake with him Kleins.
We'll miss you Eddie.
Emilie Wehmer and Kathy Sherman
Jake (Yek) Loos
April 28, 2008
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ed made the best sausage and doughnuts. I will never forget going to NE football games with him and seeing him in the early morning hours at Russell Stovers delivering doughnuts.I will miss you Ed.
Dave Furstenau
April 28, 2008
I'm a bit disappointed there won't be a service to honor Ed Klein, but I understand. And there probably isn't a church big enough to accommodate all the friends he accumulated anyway. I never saw him in a foul mood. I never passed him when he didn't stop to chat. You'd see him flying around town in his grey VW bug with the "VGATES" plates, waving to friends and honking so much that geese used to follow him. He was a good man with a good heart. Auf Wiedersehen, Ed.
Ned & Marilyn Einfalt
April 28, 2008
It was a pleasure to have known Ed. He always had a smile and could bring smiles to our faces too! It was interesting to hear his stories. He'll be missed.
Nancy Bouwens (Grenemeier)
April 28, 2008
What wonderful memories surround Klein's Corner! Ed will be missed by many. Our deepest sympathy to you all.
The Henry "Lefty" Grenemeier family
Jim Hubka
April 28, 2008
Sorry to hear about Ed. I know he enjoyed life to the fullest. He will be missed.
Roger Mahloch
April 28, 2008
Wes
I remember my days as a Fairmont ice cream man calling on the bakery and grocery store and Ed's Edsel car. My respect and sympathy
Roger Mahloch
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