Patricia A. Klein

Patricia A. Klein, 87, of Mandan, North Dakota passed away on Monday, September 16, 2024 after a brief hospital stay surrounded by her family.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 9:30 AM, Friday, September 20, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 108 3rd St., NE, Mandan. Interment will follow at Mandan Union Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, September 19, 2024 from 5 to 7 PM at Buehler-Larson Funeral Home, 1701 Sunset Dr., Mandan with Rosary / prayer service beginning at 7 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.   

Pat was born Patricia Ann Koffler on July 26, 1937 in Dickinson, ND, the daughter of Valentine and Katherine (Mosbrucker) Koffler. She was raised and educated in Dickinson graduating from Dickinson High School. Upon graduation, Pat went into nursing and earned her LPN license. She worked as a nurse at the hospital in Dickinson and St. Alexius in Bismarck. Pat would later lend her nursing skills to help additional organizations throughout her life.  

In the spring of 1957, at a school dance, she met the love of her life, Joseph Klein. It did not take long for the two of them to realize that they were meant to be together, marrying a few short months later in August. For a short time, the newlyweds farmed on the family farm before moving to Bismarck where they began to grow their family. The family became her primary focus and she dedicated her time to them. In 1969, Joe started their family business and Pat became Joe’s secretary/bookkeeper . In October 1977, the couple moved their family to Mandan. 

Pat was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church as well as contributing to other charitable causes in her community. One notable contribution was how instrumental she was in the development of AID, Inc., Self-Help Center and Thrift Shop, in Mandan.   

When Pat wasn’t fishing with Joe, she spent her time reading, crocheting, embroidering, and painting ceramics at JK Ceramics in Mandan, which she owned for a couple of years. While wintering their early retirement years in Texas, Pat learned the art of Swedish Weaving. She brought the craft back and taught family and friends. Pat enjoyed sharing her creations she made with her family, making sure no one was left without, if she made one she made multiples ensuring everyone had their unique version.   

Pat is survived by her children: Leon (Cindy), Mandan, Gerard (Ellen), Bismarck, Allison (Greg) Schumacher, Bismarck, Alan (Kristi), Mandan, Jennifer (Keith) Merkel, Bismarck, Amanda (Chad) Vinchattle, Bismarck; 14 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, 3 step-great-grandchildren, one sister, Polly Messer of Hugo, CO and sisters-in-law Genevieve Klein, Carpentaria, CA, Cecilia Milisch Greenfield, WI and Rosemary (Alvin) Glaser, Bismarck, ND  

Pat was preceded in death by her husband Joe, parents and an infant brother; her parents-in-law Leo Sr. and Teresa (Schumacher) Klein; brother-in-law Clarence Messer; sisters and brothers in-law Ann and Jack Kathrein, Amy and Pius Schmaltz and brothers and sisters in-law John and Rose Klein, Leo Jr. and Alberta Klein and brother-in-law Al Milisch; a granddaughter in-law Ashley Plante Schumacher.   

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to AID, Inc. Self-Help Center and Thrift shop of Mandan or St. Joe's Catholic Church.