Chadwick Klein

Chadwick Mark Klein was born March 3, 1970 at Blair Memorial Hospital to parents Patricia and Jerry Klein. The family lived in Mondamin, IA where he loved music and enjoyed piano and dance lessons. From there they moved to Norfolk, NE for 3 years, then on to Omaha, where he excelled in gymnastics and won 1st place in competition at Sokol Hall in 1982. He graduated from Westside High School in 1988, then began college at UNL. After residing in San Francisco for a year, he developed an interest in fashion. He was then accepted at Parson School of Design in NYC in 1992. In NYC he was a discovered talent and recognized as a catalyst in the Fashion Industry. His photos and articles were featured in various magazines, along with the Omaha World Herald.

In addition to breaking boundaries in the modeling world, he was recognized as a stylist and craftsman. He worked for the well known jewelry designer and fabric artist Marv Graff. Chad was an artist and a creative with unlimited imagination.

Chad returned to Omaha, attended travel school, and began his 25 year career at Travel and Transport. His passion outside of work was collecting art, music, jewelry and vintage anything.

Over the years he collected hundreds of LP albums, which he carefully alphabetized. Music was always playing in his home.
Chad loved animals, especially Maxann, Jake, Buddy and Elbe. His travels included memorable trips to Jamaica and the Greek Islands, and a trip to London. He loved the beach and the ocean, that was the Pisces in him wanting to be by the water.
His kindness and compassion was apparent to everyone who knew him. Chad had an extensive circle of friends, and will be deeply missed by all.

He was preceded in death by brother Adam Klein; grandparents Russell Mark, Frances Mark, Elmer and Evelyn “Mike” Klein; aunt Kathy Fink; uncles Ron Fink and Carl Mumm.

Chad is survived by mother Pat (Richard) Porter; father Jerry (Lisa) Klein; step-sister DeeAnn Porter (daughter Hattie); step-brothers Tom (Michelle) Porter, Sean (Erin) Godinez, Eric Klein and Ben (Kacie) Klein; aunts Linda Mark, Judy Mumm, Barb (Bruce) Debban, and Pat (Greg) Hotovy; uncle Doug Mark; nephew Alex Klein (Teresa, mother), nieces Jayla, Lila, Ivy and Geneva; special lifetime friends Mike, Zach, Celia, Keith and Hugh, plus countless other friends.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 with a Memorial service to follow starting at 11:00 a.m.

Memorials may be directed to the Trevor Project (crisis support for LGBTQ youth) www.trevorproject.org and the Nebraska Humane Society.