Saying Goodbye to Grandma Klein

At the end of the February, the phone rang.  I knew it was not good news even before I answered it.  It was my dad calling to let me know Grandma Klein had passed away.  She was 96 years old.

Grandma with 3 of her boys

My grandma was so excited the day I was born.  After years of raising 4 boys and then having 5 grandsons, I was her first granddaughter.  She was thrilled to finally have a girl!

Celebrating Grandma's 93rd birthday

Grandma Klein was an amazing cook. She could put Betty Crocker to shame. Her Thanksgiving and Christmas meals were the highlight of the holidays - turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy...all cooked to perfection. Many have tried, but few have come close to matching my grandma's meals. She could whip up the most delicious food with just flour and potatoes - rivals, knephla, dumplings, watermelon noodles, the list goes on and on. And her desserts -  oh my! The kuchen! The cookies! The fudge! All homemade and all delicious.

Enjoying a meal at the Klein's (Cole, Grandma, Dad & Grandpa)

You couldn't just ask my Grandma for her recipes - they were all in her head. And she didn't measure anything - it was just a scoop of this and a pinch of that. She'd pour the ingredients in a bowl or her hand and know just by looking at it that it was the correct amount. She never set a timer, but instead knew if it was done by listening to the pot and smelling the aroma. I spent many a day in my Grandma's kitchen trying to learn some of her most yummy recipes. I'd have my pen and paper out and have to stop her at each step so we could actually measure the ingredients and write it all down.

Grandma & Grandpa Klein celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary

One of my all time favorites was Grandma's fudge - so silky smooth and deliciously chocolatey - it literally melted in your mouth. I never knew how much upper body strength cooking could take until Grandma taught me her famous fudge recipe. Beating fudge BY HAND for 30 MINUTES is a serious workout!! She made it look easy as pie. But whenever we've attempted to replicate her fudge recipe, we've had to have at least 2 people on standby to take their shift beating the fudge. It's way too hard for the average person.  Grandma was definitly one strong lady!

My best attempt at Grandma's fudge

Grandma Klein was one of the hardest working women I've ever met.  From helping on the farm to caring for the house - she rarely sat still and was always on her feet making sure everyone else's needs were being met. She showed her love through her food. She would make sure everyone left the table stuffed. And she was always ready for company. Even if you popped in unannounced, it would be only a matter of minutes before she'd have you at the table, nibbling away on some homemade goodies.

Grandma loved to tell stories.  I heard many of them several times as she often forgot who she had told what to.  One of her favorites was about her delicious watermelon noodles.  While the noodles themselves are made out of flour, they were always served with a side of watermelon. She loved to tell the story where she cooked up a batch for a friend who was eager to try her famous dish. Upon serving it, her friend looked at her confused and said something like, "But these aren't made out of watermelon!  Why do you call them watermelon noodles??" Grandma thought it was so funny that her friend thought the noodles were actually made out of watermelon.  And when asked why they were called watermelon noodles, she replied, "I don't know - that's just what we've always called them!"  Then she'd laugh and laugh.  She had a great laugh.

Grandpa, Jer, me (sporting the lovely 80's gear), Jon, Grandma & James

She was a talented sewer and made the most amazing quilts.  One of my favorite toys growing up was Strawberry Shortcake.  I had the dolls and houses and loved playing with them.  Of course, my grandma knew this and went out of her way to find the perfect fabric to make a Strawberry Shortcake quilt just for me.

Shane and me with my grandparents at our wedding reception

My grandma was married to my grandpa for 70 years.  They lived most of their lives on a farm near Zeeland, a small farming community heavily populated by Germans from Russia.

My Grandparents, Dan and Katie Klein - back in the day

When the farm became to much work to care for, they moved to the big city of Bismarck, ND.  Although my kids didn't get to experience a day at the Klein farm, they did get to visit the apartment in Bismarck.  Grandma sure loved my babies!

Grandma and Owen

Grandma Klein and Cole

Owen trying to get Grandma's cane

Grandma giving Owen a big smooch

Cole and Grandma

Grandma meeting Rose for the 1st time

While living in Bismarck, my grandma stayed busy with her cooking, quilting and caring for my grandpa.  My grandpa passed away 6 years ago.  The last few years had been hard for my grandma.  She lost most of her sight and the ability to walk.  In her 96 years on this earth, she suffered the loss of 3 children, 2 grandchildren, 6 siblings, and her husband. I know she was ready to finally see them all once again.

Grandma and Grandpa

Rest in peace Grandma.  You will be missed.  Give Grandpa a big hug from me.