Obituary of Irene Klein

Irene Marie Klein (née Wagner) of Assiniboia passed away on July 31, 2026, at the age of 93 years. Irene was born on March 13, 1933, on the family farm, Bengough, SK. She attended the one-room Surprise Valley School in the Bengough district. She was the second child of fourteen children born to Albert and Katherine (Kraft) Wagner. Irene was very musical. She played the saxophone in a band and enjoyed playing her treasured organ. On a beautiful winter day on February 2, 1953, Irene married the love of her life, Kenneth Edward Klein, at St. Cunegunda Catholic Church in Horizon, Saskatchewan. Together they established their home on the Klein family homestead, one mile north of Viceroy, where they farmed and raised their family. They were blessed with four children: Gwen, Bev, Paulette, and Greg.

Farm life kept Irene busy, and she embraced it wholeheartedly. She worked alongside Ken, tended a large garden, and took great pride in creating a warm and welcoming home for her family. Irene was an exceptional seamstress. She lovingly sewed wedding gowns, bridesmaids' dresses, suits, and did alterations for family, friends, and members of the community.

Irene’s Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life. It guided her actions and gave her strength through life’s joys and sorrows. Her faith was also reflected in the many ways she served others, particularly through the church and CWL. She generously shared her talents by sewing baptismal gowns, banners, washing the church linens and by preparing homemade baking, buns, cinnamon buns, and pies for church functions, bake sales and fall suppers. These simple acts of service were a meaningful part of who Irene was and how she cared for her community.

Irene and Ken enjoyed spending the winter months in and Assiniboia and later making this their forever home when son Greg took over the farming operation fulltime. Sadly, Ken's passed away on December 31, 1999. Even after Ken’s passing, Irene remained remarkably independent. She continued to tend her large garden, keep her home immaculate, and take great pride in her beautiful yard, shovelling the snow and cleaning the eavestrough. She also worked alongside her daughter Gwen, providing cleaning services for many people.

In September 2024, Irene sold her cherished home and moved to East side Court in Assiniboia. There she quickly made many new friends and was deeply grateful to Alvin and Irene Larson and Lorrie Tendler for all their support. She especially treasured the friendship and kindness of Maureen Beauchesne, Carol Paluik, and Fay Klein. Irene was deeply grateful for the compassionate Home Care staff, especially her niece Jody Juell whose nursing expertise, love visits, care, and kindness meant so much to her. A life well lived is measured not only by years but by the love shared, the hands that served, and the family nurtured. Irene's legacy lives on in the values she instilled, the beauty she created, and the countless lives she touched with her gentle heart.

Irene is reunited in heaven with her husband Ken Klein; daughter Bev Klein-Magnuson and great grandson Austin Thronberg. She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter Gwen (Wayne) Nelson; grandchildren Cori Harper, Jason Harper (Tammy), Delee Harper; great grandchildren Shane, Alexis, Zaida (Dallas), Olivia (Dustyn), Mardi, Cruz; and seven great great-grandchildren;  her late daughter Bev’s family; grandchildren Jenna Magnuson and Devin Magnuson; great-granddaughter Legacy; her daughter Paulette Short;  grandchildren Chad (Angela) Short, Joline Watt (Randy), Chantel (Cam) Heintz, Brendon; great grandchildren Trey, Kaden, Chayce (Kaylynn), Abby-Jo (Braden), Bennett, Sullivan Quinn, Harley Chael, Avery; and four great-great grandchildren; her son Greg (Laurie) Klein and grandchildren Robin Klein (Kevin), Samantha (Chris) Sanford, James (Amber) Klein; great grandchildren Paislee, Peyton, Jaxton, Jaya and Crew; her eleven siblings, and their families, dear friends, and neighbours whose lives were enriched by her kindness, generosity, quiet strength, and unwavering faith.

A private family service will take place at a later date.