Richard Erwin Klein

Rich was born on June 4, 1945, in Greeley, Colorado, to Ivan and Emma (Rohrig) Klein. He grew up on the family farm in Kersey, Colorado. He went to school in Kersey for six years before attending College High and graduating in 1963. Rich continued his education at Otero Junior College in La Junta, Colorado, where he developed a passion for rodeo, a love that stayed with him throughout his life.

After college, Rich returned to the family farm before embarking on a successful career in agricultural sales. His work allowed him to travel, build lasting relationships, and touch the lives of countless people across the region.

On September 9, 1977, Rich married the love of his life, Sonja Yasmine Seader. Together, they built a life in Kersey and raised two wonderful sons, Glenn and Jeff. As a young family, they attended Kersey Community Church, where Rich served on the church board. Later, they became members of First Baptist Church of La Salle, where Rich, Sonja, and their boys were all baptized together.

After their sons left home, Rich and Sonja moved to Greeley. In retirement, Rich enjoyed meticulously organizing his garage, tending to his yard, and spending cherished time with his grandsons, Sawyer and Ryder — whether taking them to breakfast or cheering them on at their sporting events.

Rich and Sonja later joined St. Paul’s Congregational Church, where Rich once again served on the board and took pride in helping care for the church grounds — the same church where he had grown up. In 2021, they bought a cabin in Crysal Lakes where Rich loved spending peaceful days raking the forest floor, riding four-wheelers, watching hummingbirds, and napping on the deck surrounded by nature.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Ivan and Emma Klein. He is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Sonja; his sons, Glenn Klein and Jeff (Lindsey) Klein; his grandsons, Sawyer and Ryder Klein; his sister, Barbara (Jim) Welch; and seven nieces and nephews.

Rich lived a life rooted in faith, family, hard work, laughter, and simple joys. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.