Paula Jane Klein

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Runestone Park Visitor Center, 8965 County Road 103 SW, Kensington, Minnesota 56343. Please come visit with Paula’s family and share a story or a favorite memory. A brief service will begin at 6:00 p.m.

Paula Jane Klein, affectionately known as “Aunt PJK,” passed away peacefully on October 28, 2026, at the age of 56. She spent the past year at Autumn Cottages in Alexandria, Minnesota, where she received compassionate care from the Autumn Cottages staff and Douglas County Hospice.

Paula was born on January 8, 1970, in Graceville, Minnesota, to Duane and Janie Klein. She grew up in the small town of Chokio, where everyone knew Paula and the words “it takes a village” came to life. Raising a child with Down Syndrome in the early 1970s meant advocating for opportunities that were not always readily offered. Her parents made sure Paula experienced everyday life - family trips, shopping, daily routines, and the chance to be an active member of her community. Chokio opened its heart to her, and her village always looked out for her.

Her teachers, Opal Olson and Ellie Logan, helped make sure Paula was included in school activities at a time when children with disabilities were too often separated from their peers. With encouragement, opportunity, and her own determined spirit, Paula learned to read, play the piano, and ride a two-wheeled bicycle. Summers meant swimming at the Chokio Pool every day; and, whenever possible, twice a day.

Paula graduated from Chokio-Alberta Schools and continued developing community and work skills through the Morris DAC and later the Douglas County DAC. Over the years, her jobs included delivering water to nursing home residents, cleaning tables at Hardee’s, and cleaning office spaces. Paula generally appointed herself the “boss,” which sometimes meant sitting alongside everyone while they worked. Occasionally, a call to her dad was needed. The moment she saw him arrive, however, Paula was suddenly very busy doing her job.

Faith and community remained part of Paula’s life. She grew up as a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Chokio and later attended Faith Lutheran Church and, most recently, Alexandria Covenant Church. With the help of her friend Amy Staples, Paula volunteered in the childcare program for MomTalk. She also attended many WCA sporting events, cheering on her nieces and nephews, the Staples children, and anyone she called “friend.” A trip to the concession stand for snacks and a pop was enjoyed every bit as much as the cheering.

Paula loved birthdays, especially her own. Her enthusiasm required a family rule: no talking about her January birthday until after Christmas. Paula found a practical way to keep birthdays in the conversation by remembering everyone else’s. Cards often arrived signed simply “PJK,” and a birthday was made better by her much-anticipated phone call, complete with a rendition of “Happy Birthday” featuring plenty of vibrato.

She loved a good joke and was always ready for April Fools’ Day. Her signature trick was to call someone and announce that there was a mouse in their cupboard, followed by a delighted “April Fools!” Her infectious laugh was as much a part of the joke as the punch line.

Paula enjoyed receiving gifts, but giving them may have brought her even more joy. She loved shopping, going to the movies with friends, especially Lynn, bowling, and playing Bingo at the Elks. During her years living with the Staples family, she also loved tagging along with Addyson and her friends for a night out. Music stayed with her throughout her life, from playing piano duets with Amy to listening to her favorites, Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton.

Among Paula’s favorite things were McDonald’s, chocolate, and Coke Zero. She appreciated a dependable routine, and convincing her to change one could take some doing. Her nightly ritual was to intentionally burn her toast, spread on a generous layer of Nutella, grab a Coke Zero, and settle in for some television. She knew exactly how she liked things, and when she liked them.

Those who knew Paula will remember her smile, her love of life, her playful humor, and just the right amount of sass. Her stubborn streak served her well, helping her become a woman who knew her own mind. There were familiar family traits in the mix: her mother’s gift for socializing, her father’s sense of humor, a shared love of life with her sister, and a mischievous side that could most likely be traced to her brother.

As a daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Paula held a special place in many lives. Growing up alongside her taught her family lessons in patience, inclusion, determination, and making room for one another. She gave those around her countless reasons to laugh and memories they will carry with love.

Paula is survived by her parents, Duane and Janie Klein; her sister, Jill (Kris) Beuckens; her brother, Jeff Klein; and her nieces and nephews, Jordan (Nicole) Beuckens, Gabbi (Logan) Nibbe, Grant Beuckens (fiancée Hannah), Macksen Klein, Isla Klein, and Watson Klein. She recently became a great-aunt to Oakley and Olive, who would have been recipients of so much of her love. She is also survived by several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Les and Hazel Schimming and Fred and Ann Klein.

Paula’s family extends heartfelt thanks to Douglas County Hospice for their compassionate end-of-life care; the caring staff at Autumn Cottages; the staff at her former group homes in Morris; and the staff at the Morris DAC and Douglas County DAC for their care and support over the years. Special thanks go to her adult foster family, Dave and Amy Staples, and their extended family, who welcomed Paula as one of their own. The family also holds a special place in their hearts for Maxine, Paula’s very first staff person after she moved away from home, an angel on earth whose kindness and care will always be remembered. To everyone who was a part of Paula’s life, please know that your role and the kindness you shared with her are deeply appreciated.

Cremation arrangements are being handled by Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris, Minnesota. Burial will take place at a later date at North Buffalo Church Cemetery, where her parents also plan to be laid to rest.

Although memorial gifts are not expected, those wishing to honor Paula may donate to a charity supporting people with disabilities or Down syndrome. Gifts may also be sent to 17626 240th Street, Elbow Lake, MN 56531, where they will be directed to organizations that supported Paula throughout her life.