Gordon Ray Klein, 70, of Giltner, died on Tuesday, Feb.

17, 2026, in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, doing what he loved most—enjoying the beautiful world around him with his family.

Born in Palmer, Gordon attended Harvard Public Schools before continuing his education at the University of Nebraska. In the fall of 1975, he returned to the Klein family farm with Christy Irene Baker by his side, where he dedicated nearly all of his 70 years to caring for the land, animals, trees, and family that grew and overflowed with joy, laughter, and care. He was a man born to farming, who reached into the soil and grew a life of love filled with unhinged adventure and unwavering support for anyone in need. Gordon carried the legacy of the Klein family brand for over 50 years, with a deep commitment to raising Beefalo, Angus, and British White cattle.

On Jan. 3, 1976, Gordon married Chris, whom he loved deeply and passionately for over 50 years. Together, they raised three daughters: Amber, Abbie, and Katie. His endless curiosity made him a wonderful grandfather who loved lying in the grass with his grandchildren, studying bugs or staring up at the clouds. Gordon and Chris also hosted three foreign exchange students, Renata Sousa (Brazil), Henrike Faltermaier (Germany), and Yvonne Junga (Germany), an experience that brought the world to the farmstead. Gordon had the ability to build anything he dreamed of, a passion he pursued into retirement.

Throughout the years, he and Chris anchored the farmstead with over 300 trees, creating a green sanctuary of black walnut, blue spruce, pine, chokecherry, Nanking cherry, peaches, pears, apricots, apples, plums, pecans, and sycamore.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbert Klein and Helen (Nelson) Klein; brother, David Klein; and sister, Karen (Klein) Moncrief.

He is survived in life by his wife, Christy (Baker) Klein; daughter, Amber (Klein) Rogers (Brett); grandsons, Cameron and Dexton; daughter, Abbie (Klein) Powers; daughter, Katie (Klein) Fisher (Jake); and granddaughter, Wren; as well as siblings, Garry Klein, Ralph Klein, Patti (Klein) Marshall, Doug Klein, and Randy Klein.

Gordon’s life will be celebrated with a gathering at the Giltner Community Center Saturday, April 4, from 2–5 p.m., with remarks at 3 p.m. Light snacks and refreshments will be served. Come, tell stories, reminisce, and celebrate the life, love, and legacy of Gordon Klein.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Prairie Plains Resource Institute to support the care and preservation of the rolling Nebraska grasslands that never failed to captivate Gordon’s attention and heart. Donations can be made online (www.prairieplains.org) or by mail: 1307 L Street, Aurora, NE 68818.