Jean Kleen

Funeral services for Jean Kleen of Bertha were held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 7, 2011 at the New Life Church of God in Bertha with Pastor Mark Brown presiding. Jean passed away at Fair Oaks Lodge in Wadena, MN on July 3, 2011 at the age of 79. The granddaughter of Norwegian immigrants, Jean Ann Coles was born to James and Lillian Coles in Minneapolis on April 18, 1932. She grew up in Minneapolis where she graduated from Washburn High School. She loved animals, especially horses. In her youth, she kept her horse, Poker, at a stable which was located at the present site of Southdale Shopping Center in Bloomington. Jean worked for the Air Force Exchange Service at Wold Chamberlain Field, where she met her future husband, Roland “Bud” Kleen, through mutual acquaintances. Bud and Jean were married in 1957 and lived in Winona, Alexandria, and Richfield until 1971, when they moved to Bertha. Jean was a longtime member of the Church of God, where she made many friends over the years. The first person she met in Bertha was Hazel Daniels; a meeting that made a long impression on her about the quality of people and life in Bertha. Jean was active with the Legion Auxiliary. She was awarded the Outstanding Layperson in Education Award in 1989 for her volunteer work in the Bertha-Hewitt School District. She was also a longtime supporter of the Bertha-Hewitt Marching Band, assisting with fundraising for many years, along with being a charter member of the Bertha-Hewitt Dollars For Scholars. Jean was a member of the Minneapolis Choralaires, a nationally known singing group in the mid 1950's that performed nationally and internationally. A lifelong pianist, she loved music and attended live performances whenever she could, including Nat King Cole, Itzhak Perlman, Johnny Cash, Barry Manilow, and Yes. One of her favorite pastimes was camping at one of Minnesota’s many beautiful State Parks, especially along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Having her grandchildren along with her was a bonus. Jean was preceded in death by her husband Roland “Bud”; her parents James and Lillian; and a sister Lois. She is survived by her loving children Gary (Kathy) of Bertha, Barb (Steve) Weishair of Eagle Bend, and James of Pooler, GA; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers were the Church of God Women and the Bertha American Legion Auxiliary. Pallbearers were Greg Kleen, Stan Nelson, Galen Schultz, Ken Nelson, Ron Ward and Wayne Voge. Burial was in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery at Camp Ripley.

Jean Kleen

April 18, 1932 - July 3, 2011