It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Nicolette "Nicki" Klein, our beloved District Administrator and a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Lincoln South. Nicki passed away on the morning of August 14 following a two-week stay in the hospital.
For many of us, Nicki was the person who answered the question, solved the problem, found the information, or simply reminded us that we could do more than we thought possible. Her impact on Rotary was immeasurable.
Nicki first became a Rotarian in 1989 and joined the Rotary Club of Lincoln South in 1997. Over nearly four decades of service, she held countless leadership roles at both the club and district levels, including District Executive Secretary, Assistant Governor, Public Image Chair, Learning Facilitator, Club Secretary, Club President, and many others.
One of Nicki's most lasting contributions was helping bring the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) to District 5650 in 2008. She became a driving force behind the program, helping to develop and inspire generations of Rotary leaders. Many of the club and district leaders serving today benefited directly from her passion for Rotary education, leadership development, and member engagement.
Nicki's service was recognized with some of Rotary's highest honors, including the Service Above Self Award, the Rotary International Citation for Meritorious Service, and the Regional Service Award for a Polio-Free World. She was a Paul Harris Fellow +8, a Bequest Society member, and a Benefactor of The Rotary Foundation.
While her accomplishments were extraordinary, Nicki will be remembered most for her friendship, generosity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to helping others succeed. She exemplified Rotary's motto of Service Above Self every day.
Funeral services will be held at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa on Wednesday, August 19 at 10:30 AM, with a luncheon following the burial. There is a visitation on Tuesday, August 18 from 5 to 7 pm.
Please keep Nicki's family, friends, fellow members of Lincoln South Rotary, and all who loved her in your thoughts and prayers.
Nicki's legacy lives on in the countless Rotarians she mentored, the leaders she developed, and the lives she touched. Thank you, Nicki, for your friendship, your leadership, and your service. You will be deeply missed.
