Arlene Iola Klein, 91, passed away on May 19, 2024, at Linden Court in North Platte.

Arlene was born April 30, 1933 to parents Christian and Martha (Fasse) Toberer. Arlene was the oldest daughter of four siblings including sisters Jane and Sharon and brother Gene. She grew up on the family farm near Eustis and graduated from Eustis High School.

Arlene married Raymond Klein on August 25, 1951. To this union five children were born, Gary, Rod, Brent, Carla and Jeff. They made their home on the farm south of Farnam. Arlene was a busy homemaker and was wonderful mother and cook. She had a green thumb and raised many large vegetable and flower gardens and spent time canning and preserving food. Arlene was also a talented seamstress and she showed her compassion and love for animals, especially dogs and cats. Faith in God was central in Arlene’s life and she consistently passed her faith along to her children. The family attended church in Orafino and also Farnam, and Arlene was regularly involved in Bible studies and prayer groups. She was also a member of the extension club in Cambridge. Arlene’s family was busy making memories with many hunting and fishing trips as well as vacations to Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming.

In Arlene’s later years, she worked at the nursing home in Curtis. She moved to her home in Gothenburg where she became a caregiver for many through her work at the hospital in Gothenburg. She was an active member of the Morning Coffee bowling league. She took pleasure in bowling well into her 70’s, showcasing her competitive spirit and love for the game. She became an avid Husker fan and enjoyed watching Husker sports whenever they were on. While in Gothenburg Arlene continued to practice her lifelong love of attending church and Bible study and she made many treasured friends. Family Christmas get togethers were really important to Arlene and her family always looked forward to her homemade chicken noodle soup. Her greatest source of happiness came from being with her grandchildren and great grandchildren; she cherished every moment spent with them, and she made it a priority to attend their events.

Arlene had a gift for always finding joy in the simple beauty of nature, especially the birds outside her window. She was also especially happy to enjoy cookies as her favorite treat. She always had a twinkle in her eye and a smile to share. She was so loved by her family and she will be missed.

Survivors include four sons, Gary (Dianne) Klein of Farnam, NE, Rod (Marla) Klein of Farnam, NE, Brent (Bev) Klein of McCook, NE, Jeff (Dee) Klein of Maywood, NE, daughter, Carla (Tony) Boots of North Platte, NE; 17 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, two sisters, Jane (Dennis) Rupe of Eustis, NE and Sharon (Norm) Naylor of Lexington; many nieces and nephews and a host of dear friends.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, grandson, Tony Klein, two great grandchildren, brother, Gene Toberer, and infant sister, Karen Toberer.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Friday, May 24, 2024, 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm with the family present from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

Services will be held at Farnam Methodist Church, May 25, 2024 at 10:30 am.

Interment will follow in the Eustis East Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Farnam Fire and Rescue or the Farnam Senior Center.

Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Tuesday, May 21, 2024