Johanna A. Klein

Johanna (“Jo”) Heersink Klein

June 23, 1930 – August 5, 2022

Johanna (Jo) Klein passed from this world and went to her heavenly home on August 5, 2022. Jo was born to Adolph and Cornelia Heersink in Alamosa, Colorado on June 23, 1930, and spent her early years on the family homestead in the beautiful San Luis Valley. Jo moved with her family to Modesto as a teenager, and graduated from Modesto High School in 1948. Jo spent the rest of her life in Modesto, a community she loved, surrounded by her large extended family. She married her husband, John, on June 27, 1951. Together they created a beautiful home until John’s death on January 3, 1995.

Jo enjoyed family gatherings, gardening, travel (especially to Hawaii and summers at Mount Hermon in the Santa Cruz area), visiting with friends, and music. She was a wonderful cook and amazing baker.  Her Christian faith was at the center of her life; she was active in the Modesto Christian Reformed Church, Modesto First Baptist Church, Shelter Cove Community Church, and the Modesto Christian Women’s Club. Jo was a largely self-taught pianist; she played the piano for enjoyment, and played the organ for church services in her younger years. Jo found a wonderful social network of other women from her involvement with the Seniors Group at Shelter Cove. They called themselves the “Sisterchicks” and Jo had lots of fun with this group after she was widowed.

Jo is survived by her three children, Donetta Klein (Michael Cuslidge), Karen Klein, David Klein (Brenda); four grandchildren, April Alvernaz, Tessa Klein, Kaitlyn Klein (Joseph Gould), Kyle Klein; three great-grandchildren, Dorje McPherron, Aria McPherron, and Ayla McPherron, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other close relatives.  She was preceded in death by her husband, John Klein; son, Edward Klein; and granddaughter, Amber Klein, as well as her parents and eight siblings.

A Celebration of Jo’s Life Memorial Service will take place at Franklin & Downs McHenry Chapel in Modesto on Monday, August 22, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.  All who knew her are welcome.

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