Elaine Evelyn Klein

Elaine Evelyn Klein, 90, of Grand Rapids, went home into the arms of Jesus, her Lord and Savior, on Tuesday, August 30, 2022. Elaine met the love of her life, Nick, on Independence Day 1949, was married on August 26, 1950, and lived a blissful life together for 62 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Nicholas and son, Roger; sister, Pauline; brother, Robert. Elaine will be remembered by her children, Daniel (Christine), Janet (Don), Katherine (John), and Donald (Michelle); daughter-in-law, Carol Klein; grandchildren, Matthew, Kelly, Sara, Megan, Jason, Steven, Derek, Shanna, Amber, Kevin, Michael; 19 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild; sisters and brother, Joanne, William, and Linda. She will also be remembered by extended Gritzinger and Klein family members and friends. Elaine proudly considered motherhood her career, but also worked on their family farm and in a ceramic factory in Utica. One of her favorite jobs was driving her special education school bus run for 20 years - she loved her “kids.” She also test drove for the Ford Motor Company proving grounds during that time. She was a member of the Roman Catholic Church, leading her family and others to Christianity her entire life. She kept herself busy with lots of hobbies including vegetable and flower gardens, roller skating, shuffleboard, knitting, crocheting, sewing, cross stitch, needlepoint, wintering in Florida and traveling with her beloved husband, Nick. Elaine’s mantra in her final weeks of life was, “The best is yet to come!” Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, September 2, 2022, at Calvary Church, 707 E. Beltline NE, Grand Rapids, with Rev. Josh Warren officiating, with a luncheon to follow. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Calvary Church Food Pantry.