ESTHER M. KLEIN, age 98, died Saturday, August 19, 2017, at Parkview Manor Nursing Home in Ellsworth, MN. She was born in Lismore, MN on March 15, 1919, the daughter of Frank and Rose (McCann) Loonan. She grew up on the family farm near Lismore, along with her two brothers, Homer and Virgil, and one sister, Avis. Esther attended St. Anthony’s School for 12 years, and graduated in 1936. Next, she became a student at Mankato Teachers College, graduating in 1938 with a two year degree in teaching. For the next four years, she taught in rural schools in Nobles County.

Esther married Raphael Klein on November 19, 1941. They lived on a farm near Adrian where they raised their four children. They were Edward, Rosie, Elaine and Paul. When Raphael retired from farming, the couple moved to Worthington. In the meantime, Esther furthered her education and taught in various schools in the area, namely St. Adrian, Ellsworth, Adrian Public and finally Worthington Community College.

In addition to homemaking and teaching, Esther loved to study, read, write, play bridge and travel to foreign countries around the globe.

She is survived by her four children namely, Edward (Kathleen) Klein, Inver Grove Heights, MN; Rosie (Ron) Heitkamp, Sioux Falls, SD; Elaine Klein (the Rev. Richard Kukowski), Silver Spring, MD; and Paul (Jolene) Klein, Sioux Falls, SD. She has fifteen grandchildren, twenty seven great grandchildren and four great great grandsons.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Raphael on January 14, 2012; two brothers, Homer Loonan and Virgil Loonan; and a sister, Avis Weydert.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 24, 2017 from 9 to 11 AM at the St. Anthony Catholic Church in Lismore, MN. The Funeral Mass will be Thursday at 11 AM at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Lismore with Father Thomas Jennings and Monsignor Rick Colletti officiating. Burial will be at the parish cemetery in Lismore. The Dingmann Funeral Home of Adrian will be in charge of arrangements.

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