Roberta Irene (Fisher) Klein was born on September 29, 1929, to Marvin E. and Charlotte L. (McKinney) Fisher in Des Moines, Iowa. She passed away Saturday morning, December 27, 2014, at the age of eighty-five.

Roberta received her early education in Des Moines schools, attended Pella High School, and North High School in Des Moines where she graduated January 22, 1948. On January 23, 1948, she was united in marriage with Willard Lee Klein. They were blessed with five children: Laura Lee, Kevin Eugene, infant son Junior, Cheryl Ann, and Nancy Irene.

Roberta enjoyed being a homemaker and when her children were all of school age, she began working in the insurance industry; employment included Bean Insurance, Cook and Sons Agency, and Van Gorp Insurors. She was known as the family matriarch, dearly loved her family, and had a special bond with her sisters, who loved and cherished each other. She was well versed on current events. She enjoyed reading a book to her grandchildren called "A Hive of Busy Bees", a book that offered stories of right and wrong which she tried to instill in her grandchildren. She gave each grandchild that book so they could teach those values to their children. Sunday coffee time with Willard's family was always a highlight in her week. She also enjoyed wild card parties with her daughters, granddaughters, and sisters, with the added treat of eating pizza and drinking "ice cold" Diet Pepsi with them. Roberta enjoyed watching tennis, figure skating, golf, and Iowa Hawkeye Football on her digital TV.

Roberta was baptized November 23, 1941. She was a member of Otley Christian Reformed Church and later became a member of Calvary Christian Reformed Church in Pella. She was a charter member of the Pella High Booster Club, served as a member of Otley Water Board and Public Utilities. She and her husband organized an Otley Little League baseball team.

Those left to cherish her memory are: her four children; thirteen grandchildren; twenty-nine great-grandchildren; her sisters: Carolyn L. (Van) Wiley of Louisville, Kentucky, Marianne B. Fisher of Pella; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Arvin and Norma Klein, Leola Klein, Darlene Klein all of Pella, Gladys (Klein) and Jim Karlin of Ankeny, Geraldine (Klein) and Gerald Angove of Altoona; twenty-five nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by: her parents; her husband of thirty-seven years, Willard Lee; two day old son, Junior; grandson, Jason Thomas Klein and great-granddaughter, Peyton Irene DuBois. She is also preceded by her in-laws, John De Ronde, Harold and Alice (Klein) Van Essen, Wayne Klein, and Virgil Klein.

Roberta dearly loved her husband and family. Her strong, confident personality enabled her to be teacher, mentor, and friend to all who knew her.

She will be cherished in the hearts of her family forever.

Roberta's family:

Laura Lee and Duane Keith Meyer of Pella, Iowa
Laurie Dawn and Justin Shawn Lenertz
Nicholas James and Michael Duane Struve
Lance Duane and Suzanne Marie (Brooks) Meyer
Alexandria Marie, Julia Lee, Emmelia Ann
Derek Lee and Wendy Renee (Ulmer) Meyer
Nolan Keith, MaKenzie Kay, Katelyn Grace

Kevin Eugene and Tomi Sue (Steward) Klein, Lincoln, Nebraska
Joseph Michael and Jamie (Feerhusen) Klein
Bailey Kristin, Devin Michael, Dakota Lawrence, Brody Thomas Qatlu
Dustin Lee and Jody (Lastine) Klein
Tristen James, Korbin Eugene, Sydney Rae
Kodi Sue and Tyson Moore
Emerson Sue, Cameron Jean

Cheryl Ann and David Arthur Vander Werff of Pella, Iowa
Staci Joy and Robert Huisman
Tyler Alvin, Madison Brooke, Delaney Paige
Bradley David and Annette (Willemsen) Vander Werff
Alexis Rae, Wyatt Bradley
Matthew Lee and Crystal (Vathananonh) Vander Werff
Taylor Savanh, Landon Matthew, Malia Rose
Shelley Lyn Vander Werff

Nancy Irene and Paul Calvin Dykstra of Kellerton, Iowa
Lisa Irene Dykstra
Gavin Paul, Hayden Carl DuBois
Kathy Ann and Aaron McKay
Debra Lee and David Verdi
Calvin James, Emma Klein Verdi

FUNERAL SERVICE

1:00 P.M., Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Calvary Christian Reformed Church
Pella, Iowa

VISITATION

Beginning at Noon on Tuesday, December 30, 2014
with family present 4:30 - 6:30 P.M.
Garden Chapel Funeral Home
Pella, Iowa

MEMORIALS

Wesley Life Hospice
Hospice of Pella

INTERMENT

Oakwood Cemetery
Pella, Iowa

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