Gloria J. Klein

Gloria J. Klein, 81, of Sioux City, IA, passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Christy-Smith Funeral Homes, Morningside Chapel (1801 Morningside Ave) with a Visitation taking place one hour prior.

Gloria was born on October 30, 1944, in Sioux City, to Ralph and Helen (Przybylske) Jacobson. She graduated from East High School in 1962. After high school, she attended Morningside College where she earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Elementary Education. She taught at Sunnyside Elementary School, enriching the lives of young students for 36 years. On August 6, 1988, Gloria married the love of her life, David Klein, in Sioux City.

Gloria was an active member of the Girls of ‘68, serving as president from 2009-2011. She also belonged to the Sioux City Retired Educators (President, 2018-2020) and the Alpha Delta Kappa (President, 1996-1998). She was honored as an Iowa Alpha Delta Kappa Trailblazer for outstanding service in 2004.

Gloria was a cherished 50-year member of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (DKG), an honorary organization for women educators. During this time, she served as the local Mu Chapter President (1990-1992), Vice-President (1986-1990), Treasurer (2012-2016), and most recently as Parliamentarian. In addition, she served on state committees and traveled to state and international DKG conventions.

In her spare time, Gloria enjoyed traveling with her husband David, talking to her many friends, reading, embroidery, and completing word search puzzles.

Gloria is survived by her husband, David Klein; stepson, Jamale Klein; sister, Susanne Passerretti; brother, John Jacobson (Sandy); and four grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Helen Jacobson; and her brother-in-law, Felix Passerretti.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Sioux City Community Schools Career Academy (627 4th St, Sioux City, IA 51101) in honor of Gloria’s love of teaching and education.