It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that the family announce the peaceful passing of Eldora "Dorie" L. Klein, 70, of Grand Forks, ND on Friday December 26, 2025, at Valley Senior Living on Columbia in Grand Forks, ND. She was a beloved mother, cherished and loved wife for 36 years, aunt and friend.

She was born on September 22, 1955, in Fosston, MN to Carl and Agnus(Frieberg) Clausen. She grew up as the youngest sibling of six.  She graduated from Mahnomen, MN.  On November 4, 1989, Eldora married James Klein at Zion United Methodist Church, Grand Forks, ND.

For a short period of time, she was a daycare provider. She attended the University of North Dakota receiving a Masters Degree in Education/Special Education. Her first teaching job was in Thompson, ND.  In 1993, she was hired by the Grand Forks Public School, teaching in the Special Education Department. She taught at Wilder Elementary School for 15 years, Kelly Elementary School, and West Elementary School until retirement in 2015.

Her greatest joy was her children, husband, family, friends, and students.   She loved camping, doing jigsaw puzzles, playing cards, reading, sewing and traveling with family and friends.  As often as she could she would pack up the camper and family to head to the lake for several days of camping. At gatherings there was always a game of Uno and a variety of other card games being played. Dorie would always encourage everyone to play.  She continued to do jigsaw puzzles at Valley Senior Living. She would spend hours in her sewing room making clothes, quilting, and decor items for her home. She would always be busy remodeling and redecorating their home, including painting, staining and varnishing. Instead of purchasing curtains, she made them. Once a month she had a sewing date with friends to create quilts and home décor.

She is survived by her husband, James Klein; children: Brad Zimmerman, Angela Zimmerman; stepdaughter: Lareen (Jeff) Shulind; step-grandchildren: Samantha (Jake) Zavoral and Ethan Wosick, step-great grandchildren: Owen Zavoral, Drew Zavoral, Zara Zavoral, sisters: Marilyn (Dave) Bauer and Sharon (Frosty) Leslie; brothers: Paul (Carolyn) Clausen, and Jim Clausen (Kathy Schuler); sister-in-law Debra Clausen, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Carl and Agnus( Freiberg) Clausen and her brother Craig Clausen.

A Celebration of Dorie's Life: Will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Gregory J Norman Funeral Chapel, 2950 S Washington St. Grand Forks, ND 58201. Officiated by Pastor Bud Johnson. Visitation one hour before service. Social after service.

May she rest in peace into the fullness of God's presence.

A Celebration of Life With Burial: W ill also be held in the spring of 2026.  More information will be posted at a later date.  Thank you.