Robert D. Klein, Sr., 97, Valley City, ND (formerly of Sanborn, ND) died peacefully at SMP Health-St. Raphael on December 19, 2021.
Robert Donald Klein was born on June 7, 1924 in Dyersville, Iowa to George and Anna Klein. He moved to Eckelson, ND in 1928. Robert graduated from Eckelson High School.
Robert was united in marriage to Delores Rustad on June 25, 1944, in Sanborn, ND. He farmed near Eckelson, raising small grains and sunflowers, not totally retiring from being a farmer until his late 70s. Operating the combine was something he totally enjoyed. Robert was instrumental in the building of the first telephone line in Brimer Township. He was a school board member for many years of the Brimer and Eckelson Public Schools. Also, a board member for Brimer Township and served on the Eckelson Elevator Board of Directors. Later in life they wintered in Arizona, spending time with other North Dakota snowbirds, playing golf and poker. Robert enjoyed antique cars, going to flea markets, building toy tractors and trailers for his great grandsons and doll bunk beds for his great granddaughters.
Robert is survived by children, Marsha (Dennis) Wendel, LaMoure, ND, Robert, Sanborn, ND, William (Nina), Ashley, ND and Jane (Dave) Hovda, Casselton, ND, 22 grandchildren, 72 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Delores; brothers Louis, Vernon, Clifford, James, Donald, and Eugene; daughter – in – law Sharon Klein and grandsons Thomas and Jon Klein.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 23rd at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Sanborn. Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 22nd at 5:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm at Sacred Heart Church, Sanborn. Burial will be in the spring at Sacred Heart Cemetery.
The Lerud Mathias Funeral Home in Valley City is assisting the family with arrangements. An online guestbook and tribute page can be found at www.lerudschuldt.com. The funeral service will be live streamed then archived and available for viewing along with the obituary.