Alvin LaVern Klein

Alvin L. Klein, 81, of Oelwein, Iowa and formerly of Independence, Iowa died on Wednesday morning, December 17, 2008 at Mercy Hospital of Franciscan Sisters in Oelwein, Iowa after a lengthy illness.

A Private Memorial Service will be held at Mercy Living Plus in Oelwein, Iowa with Chaplain Denise Lindemann officiating; Inurnment will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery at Independence, Iowa at a later date.

Memorials may be given in his name for the Alvin Klein Scholarship Fund and can be sent to: Vivian Klein, 102 8th Ave. N.W. Apt. 10-B, Oelwein, Iowa 50662

Alvin is survived by: Wife--Vivian Klein of Oelwein, Iowa
2 Daughters--Julie Klein of Decorah and Oelwein, Iowa
JoAnne (James) Traut of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois
Son--Dr. Jon (Lisa Roudebush) Klein of Indianapolis, Indiana
2 Brothers--Earl Klein of Ackley, Iowa
Raymond (Bev) Klein of Hampton, Iowa
3 Sisters--Matilda Arnold of Manchester, Iowa
Charlotte Klein of Chicago, Illinois
Shirley (Tom) Scott of Glen Ellen, Illinois

He was preceded in death by his Parents and 2 Sisters (Lucille Plagge and Clara Baumgartner).

Alvin LaVerne Klein was born on April 27, 1927 in Osceola Township, Franklin County, Iowa the son of John and Lydia (Sailer) Klein. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter's United Church of Christ at Geneva, Iowa. Alvin graduated from Geneva High School at Geneva, Iowa in 1944 and later received a B.A. dual degree in vocational agriculture education and animal husbandry from Iowa State University at Ames, Iowa in 1948. Alvin married Vivian May Hakanson on August 20, 1954 at Manchester, Iowa. He taught vocational agriculture, science, and math in high schools at Mingo High School at Mingo, Iowa, Delhi High School at Delhi, Iowa, and Independence High School at Independence, Iowa. Alvin farmed west of Independence and also owned and operated Klein Implement also at Independence. He was a member of First United Methodist Church at Independence, Iowa. Alvin was an active member in many agricultural organizations, was a former FFA advisor, and was a member of the Independence Masonic Lodge # 87 A.F. & A.M. at Independence, Iowa. Alvin and Vivian have lived in Oelwein the last 10 years.