Beatrice Klein

Beatrice Johanna Henke Klein was born Feb. 24, 1924, in Lincolnville to Herman and Emma (Kaiser) Henke. When she was two weeks old, her parents moved to a farm northwest of Lincolnville, where she grew up. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lincolnville. She attended the Lutheran school for eight year and graduated from Lincolnville High School.

She was married to Harold Swanson in September 1945 after he came home from serving in Germany in World War II. They resided in Burdick and on a farm near Lincolnville, where their sons Richard Wayne and Dennis Keith were born. Harold then re-enlisted in the Army and they moved to Junction City. While Harold spent a year serving in the Korean War, Rene Eugene, their third son, was born. He was 4 years old when his father returned from the war.

The family resided in Herington after Harold got his discharge. They moved to Marion in 1950 where their daughter Beverly Ann was born.

Harold died in 1973. On Sept. 30, 1973, Beatrice accepted the Lord as her Savior at the Emmanuel Baptist Church. She spent many years as church clerk, WMF president, Sunday school teacher, Awana leader, taking care of flowerbeds, singing in the choir, and other ways of serving the Lord. Her shut-in tape and visiting ministry was her greatest joy. She ministered to sick and lonely people who needed a touch of God’s love. She loved the Lord, and her family also was her joy in life.

Beatrice later married Vern Magathan, who preceded her in death in May 1979. She later married again to Lapole Klein. He preceded her in death in August 1991.

She died Jan. 9, 2012, at St. Luke Living Center in Marion at the age of 87.

Survivors include her three sons: Richard Wayne Swanson, Crawford, Neb.; Dennis Keith Swanson and wife Janet of Gold Canyon, Ariz; and Rene Eugene Swanson and wife Terry of Thornton, Colo., and daughter Beverly Ann Gibson and husband David of Spiro, Okla., 13 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Marion, with Pastor Josh Wesner officiating.

Visitation will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Zeiner Funeral Home. Burial will be in Claney Cemetery.

Memorials may be designated for Emmanuel Baptist Church, St. Luke Living Center, or Harry Hynes Hospice of McPherson.