Irene Laura Klein

sisters and three Brothers, all of whom have passed away. Her husband, Richard, also

preceded her in death three years ago. Irene (Lovingly known as Oma) is survived by

her two sons: Mark and wife Janet, Matthew and wife Sharlene. Oma is also survived

by 4 grandchildren: Josh, Gabe, Benjamin and Kristin and 9 great grandchildren: Dylan,

Carter, Andrew, Samuel, Hannah, Vivian, Peter, Noelle, and Clementine.

After graduating from South Gate high School (1947) Irene met the love of her life

Richard at a Walther League Function. They were married on August 30, 1950 at

Redeemer Lutheran Church in South Gate, California. The wedding took place on a

Wednesday night because Richard’s father, a pastor in Utah, could not miss preaching

on Sunday. They were married 69 years when Richard died.

Irene and Richard lived most of their life together in Downey, California where they

raised their boys, close to all her brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces. The whole

family would get together for all the holidays which included a slumber party on New

Years Eve, breakfast in the park on Labor Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July fireworks and

the Annual Family Christmas Party (the 3rd Saturday of December for over 50 years).

They lived in Arizona for a short time and in Ohio for about three years. After their boys

left home, they lived in Holland for about 4 years and used that opportunity to travel

around Europe and host many friends and family. In 2006 they sold their home in

Downey and moved north to Washington State to be close to Matt's family. They really

enjoyed getting to spend time with kids, grandkids and great grandkids up till the time

the Lord called them home.

Oma had a terrific memory: she knew all the words to the songs of her era, treasuring

the Big Band dances she attended as a teen on Catalina Island off the coast of

California. She was the keeper of family dates and histories (her own and Richards).

When coaxed, she would recite the Christmas Story from Luke.

Irene was also very active in their home church, Good Shepherd Lutheran in Downey

where she served in the LWML, as youth leader, sang in choir, and also served as the

church secretary. Probably her favorite job was working under Jim Kraft as the

Lutheran School secretary. She loved helping out new staff at the church, making sure

they had what they needed which included having them over for dinner almost every

week. She loved to plan, cook and serve meals. She was known for her Chinese

foods, leg of lamb, pork & sauerkraut, and corned beef & cabbage. Irene & Richard

loved to host parties- if they met , you were invited! When Irene wasn’t busy doing all

these things she managed to run the Lutheran High thrift store for over 20 years. She

managed every aspect of the non-profit including recruiting many relatives to work with

her there.

When they weren’t hosting Irene & Richard loved to travel all over the US, visiting the

Klein side of the family. They were instrumental in keeping the family reunions going for

over 50 years, which was no small feat with 10 Klein siblings to contend with! She and

Roy Eberly were known as the King and Queen of the Outlaws. (Outlaws were family

members who married into the Klein family, I think they took pride in that distinction).

She and Richard also enjoyed getting together with Jim & Ora May Krafft and Lloyd &

Myrna Benson. They called themselves the KKB, and would travel together yearly

somewhere in the world until they were not able to travel anymore. Irene remained in

contact with both the Kraffts and Bensons via phone up until the time of her passing.

Oma kept Hallmark in business, sending cards for every occasion to family, friends and

her dear godchildren.

While we mourn the loss of Irene as she had such an influence on everyone she met.

know that she loved all of you and appreciated the time she spent with you and hearing

from you. We rejoice in knowing that she is in a better place with her Lord and Savior

Jesus Christ in heaven. In fact she left some instructions for her funeral and I quote

from them, #3. “If the family wants to view my body to make sure I’m dead, go the night

before, but remember I’m at a better place with my Savior and hope to see you all again

one day in Heaven”.

She requested that Memorials be directed to Good Shepherd Lutheran, Downey

California.