John Robert Klein, M.D., J.D.
August 7, 1966 – November 24, 2024
John Robert Klein, 58, died in his sleep unexpectedly on November 24, 2024. Born on August 7, 1966, John remained an Omaha native and committed Catholic his entire life. He attended Mary Our Queen Elementary School and Creighton Preparatory High School, where he was his class president for two years. John went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgetown University, having completed a double major in the fields of government and psychology. While a Georgetown student, he was shaped by a junior year abroad, where he took courses at Trinity College of the University of Dublin and absorbed the culture of Ireland.
John went on to earn advanced degrees both in law and medicine – a JD from Tulane University Law School and an MD from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine. He served as an editor of the Tulane Law Review and published several legal papers in the early years of his professional career. His law practice was focused largely on insurance and financial disputes in the field of medicine.
He was generous with his knowledge and time, sharing advice and practical help with everyone he knew – his parents and siblings; cousins, nephews, and nieces; friends and coworkers; and total strangers. For several family members, John provided critical support for years. He was the sibling who paid attention to the stories told by parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts. He liked to help the people around him succeed. He had a goofy, active, and somewhat black sense of humor and was known for his silly, yet amazing, rambling yarns, which would take a listener down one path to a dozen different tangents. John readily drew random facts from his encyclopedic knowledge of many subject areas, yet he remained unpretentious.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Patricia Klein, and his sister, Joan Elizabeth Barnes. He is survived by his sisters: Mary Klein (David Hinson), Jennifer Hagen (Dan), and Bridget Eckerd (Richard); nieces and nephews: Robert and Rose Hinson; Michaela Klein; Jeremy and Dillon Sadofsky; Levi Hagen; John, Patrick, Catherine, and Sarah Eckerd; and Bearden, Jr., Benjamin, Cecilia, and Lily Barnes.
He will be missed by anyone who knew him.
Visitation: Monday, December 2, 2024, 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Mary Our Queen Catholic Church followed by Vigil Service: 7:00 pm.
Mass of Christian Burial: Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 11:00 am, Mary Our Queen Catholic Church. Interment: Calvary Cemetery, Omaha.
Memorials can be directed to Creighton Preparatory High School.
23 Comments
Sorry for your loss
John Klein, cousin to my Omaha/Klein/Sullivan cousins, to my sister Mary, he was (Johnny), never to me an unkind word, deeply engaged his listeners with stories of work and leisure trips to New York City, Omaha Olde Market, we’d share stories of our Dads, being close friends at Prep, dad’s being best Men in weddings, etc. Goodbye Sir John, you were a good human.
John and I clerked for the same federal judge in 1994-1995. It was a difficult clerkship, and on more than one occasion John and I would go to lunch where he would buck up my spirits by telling hysterically funny (and sometimes completely random) stories; if the stories didn’t work, he would do impersonations. He also generously helped me with my legal writing assignments when I struggled. Perhaps John’s generous spirit is best reflected in the fact that he used to bring in half-and-half to chambers and put it in the break room refrigerator with a note that said: “Have some cream in your coffee and live a little!” Thanks for being such a good friend, John.
Mary, Jennifer and Bridget
Marie Mac Kravchuk brought this loss to my attention today for your family. Reading his bio just brought such sadness. John was such a wonderful human being and brother taken away far too soon. The Mac’s send their condolences to all of you.
My sincere condolences to all the bereaved on the loss of a good man.
We met John briefly and he remained in our hearts.
John, be fine up there.
“Cousin” Jaroslav Klein and his family from the Czech Republic.
I think of John and smile as I remember the times he astounded with his wide ranging knowledge. Wishing you peace and strength as you navigate this tough time. My sincere condolences and I’m
am so deeply sorry for your loss.
One of the smartest, funniest and kindest people I ever knew. A good buddy since high school, he always taught me new things and made me laugh. Zero ego, and he once took a good chunk out of his day to give me some legal advice, He didn’t take a dime. Such a good guy, John, we will never forget you!
Without question we lost one of the most unique characters ever created. I feel privileged to have know John and the entire Klein family as a neighbor and friend.
He certainly could have been a character in a movie with all the knowledge and individuality that was ever present. I always thought of John as this mad scientist type figure, and I mean that in the best way.
He lived his life, his way, and when he had a twinkle in his eye, you knew he was up to something mischievous and wanted to include you or at the very least tell you a wonderful story with great regale.
We played poker together many times and it was always a joy to be part of this entourage. A term coined by John was “The Frederick Street Mafia”, and I was a proud member of this exclusive club with John. You will be missed my friend, you already are. What I wouldn’t give to have another dose of John. A lovely human.
My condolences to John’s family. Hearing about his passing has brought back a flood of memories from our Prep/Marian days. We dated the summer before he went to Georgetown. He was a kind, respectful, clever guy with an entrepreneurial spirit. I recall postcards and photos he would send me during our early college years. I reconnected with him about 10 or 15 years ago at a reunion and stayed in touch on social media (loved his gardening tips/tomato giveaways). The world lost a great mind and a gentle soul. I am sorry for your loss.
I only met John once, through my sister Kathy, but he made an impression as a kind & funny person. Big hugs to all John’s friends & family.
Always admired John’s intelligence and knew he would go on to do great things in life,
Deepest sympathy
When I was told of the news of John’s passing I thought this can not be. Hearing this really gave me a lump in my throat. I always will remember John for his wild but interesting stories and his remarkable sense of humor. When I use to frequent Mr. Toad more often, seeing him standing at the bar always made me smile because I knew I was going to have a great conversation with a really awesome person. I will always remember him.
John was a classmate of mine at Creighton Prep. Our class of 1985 loved seeing John at Mr Toads or at a reunion. We all enjoyed his stories. I will miss my brother. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him. AMDG.
John and I went to MOQ together. We all knew he was the “smartest guy in the room” but he could crack me up with his humor. He found me on Facebook and we have kept in touch. Always love to “compare” tomato crops. I am absolutely devastated to hear of his passing. My prayers to the family.
Dear Klein Family, Joe and I are so sorry to hear the news about John. We obviously met him thru Joan but had the opportunity to meet up with him over the years when he came to New York. Despite this sad news, there is consolation knowing that Miss Joanie was there to greet him at the Pearly Gates. Give her a hug for us John! Any may all the happy memories you had with John fill your hearts during these difficult days.
I loved hearing those who spoke at my Uncle John’s Vigil – I felt like I got closer to him with the funny and heartwarming stories. He truly was such a cool, humorous, and intelligent person that I am lucky to call family. Uncle John always was there for me and I will miss him.
I met John numerous times because of my relationship with Jenny and Joan. The love and acceptance I received from both of my friends was given to me by John whenever I saw him as if I was his close friend as well. He was always warm and friendly. He was generous w time, information and offering his abundant harvests for me in the warm summer months. He even delivered them a few times. I noticed that Klein family brain power in him and was astounded that he could be so accomplished and still be humble and kind to people in all walks of life. I’ve not heard an unkind word about John, and I know he will rest in peace because of life well lived – his life was taken too soon. My deepest condolences to the family, I hope comfort can be had by sharing all of the wonderful memories of John from family and friends.
We are very saddened by the loss of a very good friend and neighbor.. He was there for us when we needed him and He spoke what he wanted once he got to know you.. John will be missed by all that knew him and his sense of humor was something that John had and seeing him outside doing his things in his yard to keep it tightly.. We will miss your tomatoes and pumpkins you brought over every year.. John you now have your wings fly free.. R.I.P. until we meet again ( save me some tomatoes 😊) – Colleen and Nick
So sorry for your loss. Woody, Chime #137
John you will be sorely missed. I really enjoyed playing poker with you guys when I first moved back to Omaha in 2012. I really felt I got to know you that much better through the Weiner family. I always appreciated that you were a jack of all trades, and you were a kind loving individual. I just learned of your passing yesterday. I was dealing with a son’s issues out in Utah, and I am sorry I could not be there for the funeral. RIP good man!
Knew John best in 1985-86, our Freshman year at Georgetown as “floormates”. Always kind, gracious and humble. I will miss him!
Many other comments/condolences were expressed on the Class Facebook page.
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