Adam J Klein

Adam Jeremy Klein was born October 3, 1974 at Blair Memorial Hospital to parents Patricia and Jerry Klein. His brother Chad was few years older and not thrilled at the idea of having a baby brother but they quickly became best buds. The family lived in Mondamin, Iowa, until 1978 at which point they moved to Norfolk, Nebraska, where Adam attended preschool and elementary school.

In the early 80s the family moved to the Rockbrook neighborhood in Omaha where Adam attended Oakdale Elementary School. He was interested in music and started on the violin and soon after changed to drums, which he thought was way cooler.

Adam attended Westside Middle School and then went to Creighton Prep High School. He excelled in athletics, participating in soccer, baseball, basketball, Taekwondo, cross country track and football. Meanwhile, at his mothers insistance he continued to tolerate playing the drums. He was accomplished in art and writing. He became an excellent water skier while the family lived at the lake in Hawaiian Village. He graduated from Creighton Prep in May 1993, the same day as his Mom graduated from college.

After high school, Adam attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, later transferring to the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Adam joined the Marine Corp and was stationed in San Diego. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury prevented him from completing basic training. He was honorably discharged. He returned to Omaha and continued his studies at UNO, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, specializing in International Management and Business with a minor in Spanish.

Adam married Teresa Eaton in December 2001. He worked as a claims adjuster for Progressive Insurance and then later American Family Insurance.

April 13, 2007, Adam and Teresa’s son, Alexander Mark Klein, was born-healthy, but six weeks early. Shortly after Alex arrived, Teresa was promoted in her government job and transferred to Kansas City. Adam was promoted to a management position with UPS and later transferred to Kansas City. There was a time later where circumstances allowed him to be a stay-at-home Dad, which was so special for both Adam and Alex. They shared a love of all different sports, especially baseball and bicycling. Thanks to his Dad, Alex learned to recognize every make and model of cars by the time he was 4 years old.

They had many outings and adventures, especially at the zoo, the swimming pool, car shows, Sky Zone, Aerospace Museum, and action movies. Adam and Alex also enjoyed challenging each other to video games, but their favorite game was the UNO card game.

Later, working as a government contractor for Immigration, Adam’s job as a case manager allowed him put to use his Spanish speaking skills. His language skills had been developed when he studied at a university in Mexico and lived with a Mexican family.

Sadly, the marriage came to an end, however, he and Teresa remained united in their devotion to their son. Adam eventually moved back to Council Bluffs and took a job with SAMs. It was there that he met Mary Komor, with whom he maintained a loving relationship.

In Adam’s early 20’s he had experienced a serious water skiing accident which severely injured his shoulder and left him suffering with a lifelong battle of chronic pain. Over the years five surgeries failed to correct the problem. He was told by all doctors that shoulder replacement would not be an option because he was too young. He persevered bravely despite constant pain.

This past Labor Day, Adam was hospitalized with extreme fatigue, shortness of breath and arrhythmia. He was treated for a heart and lung infection, which required multiple courses of antibiotics and was put on blood pressure medication.

In recent weeks Adam had been feeling better. However, it appears that his heart had become extremely enlarged, leading to heart failure. He passed away peacefully in his sleep.

Adam will always be remembered for his sensitive, fun-loving, ornery, and playful nature. His son, Alex, was and always will be the light of his life.

Adam was survived by his son, Alex; his mother Pat Porter and step-father Richard Porter; father Jerry Klein and wife Lisa Klein; brother Chad Klein; step-sister DeeAnn Porter; step-brothers Tom Porter (Michelle), Sean Godinez (Erin), Eric Klein, Ben Klein (Kacie); Aunts Judy Mumm, Barb Debban (Bruce), Pat Hotovy (Greg), Linda Mark, and uncle Doug Mark. Many nieces and nephews, cousins, great aunts and friends. Preceded in death by Grandparents Russell Mark, Frances Mark, Elmer and Evelyn “Mike” Klein, aunt Kathy Fink and uncle Ron Fink and uncle Carl Mumm.