Norma Jean (Reiners) Klein, 84, of McCook, Nebraska, died at Community Hospital in McCook on December 27, 2023 surrounded by her family.

    Norma was born April 28, 1939 on the family farm south of Indianola, Nebraska to parents Edward and Caroline (Hofman) Reiners. Norma attended school at St. John’s Ash Creek through the eighth grade and then attended school in McCook until she graduated High School in 1957.

    While attending school in McCook, Norma met Donald Klein who became the love of her life. Norma and Don were united in marriage on July 21, 1957 at Ash Creek Lutheran Church shortly after she graduated high school. To this union five children were born: Pamela, Patrick, Deborah, Sonya and Tracey.

    Norma was very active not only in her children and grandchildren’s lives but was also active in her church and community. She never hesitated when asked to help. She was truly a giving soul. Norma was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, church choir, Walther League (youth Group), LWML St. John’s Guild, Social Bells Extension Club and was 4H Leader of the Clover Bells. She was a member of the Red Willow County 4H Extension Board for many years and helped judge for Open Class at the Red Willow County Fair. She also volunteered to sell tickets at numerous Red Willow County Fair Events. Norma was President of the MHS Band Parents and coordinated the monthly quilting events at St John’s Church that donated quilts to a variety of organizations. Norma headed up the publishing of the cookbook for a fundraiser in honor to the 100th year anniversary of St John’s Lutheran Church, Ash Creek. Norma had a special group of ladies that she played volleyball with at the YMCA for many years. Norma did this along with working fulltime in the office at Klein’s Motor and Electric and Midwest Livestock, the family-owned businesses.

    Norma loved watching her kids and grandkids grow up and supported them in all their activities. She was a huge fan of Husker Volleyball and Football. She loved singing in the choir at church, baking, cross stitching, spending time at the family home in Estes Park, fishing (although she never learned to swim), gardening, canning and raising flowers.

    Norma will always be remembered for her willingness to give, and the love she showed to others through her generosity.

    Norma was proceeded in death by her infant son, Patrick; daughter, Deborah Klein and husband, Donny Reis; parents, Edward and Caroline Reiners; her in-laws, Ben and Olga Klein; brother, James Reiners; her sister-in-law, Nadine Friehe and brother-in-law, Ervain Friehe.

    Norma is survived by her husband of 66 years, Donald Klein; their daughters: Pamela Klein, Sonya Prentice, and Tracey (Marshell) Sis; grandchildren: Ben (Rachel) Linnemeyer, Kody (Kristie) Linnemeyer, Colton Gaines, Zach Reis, Samantha Yonkers, Alex Yonkers, Shane Prentice, Austen (Emilyne) Sis, Masen (Megan) Sis, Riley (Hunter) Potthoff; her great-grandchildren are Cole, Beau, Avery, Harvey, Bennett, Maddex and Bryar; sisters-in-law, Wendy Reiners; sisters, Carolyn (Pete) Keith, Sandra (Mike) Haskins, and Evelyn Reiners along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

    Visitation will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023 from 10AM-7PM at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook.  Norma's family will be present to greet friends from 5-7PM.

    Funeral services are scheduled for 11AM on Saturday morning, December 30, 2023 at Peace Lutheran Church in McCook with Pastor Lonnie Felcher officiating.  Burial in St. John's Lutheran (Ash Creek) Cemetery will follow services. 

    Memorials are suggested to the Orphan Grain Train in Norma's name or to the family of Norma Klein for future designation.  Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.