Remembering Nicki Klein

It is with profound sadness that Rotary District 5650 shares the passing of Nicolette "Nicki" Klein, our District Administrator and a devoted member of the Rotary Club of Lincoln South. Nicki passed away on the morning of August 14, 2026, following a two-week hospitalization.

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.

Nicki's impact on Rotary was extraordinary. For decades, she served our district, our clubs, and Rotary International with unwavering dedication, professionalism, and heart. Her knowledge, leadership, and commitment helped shape District 5650 and touched the lives of Rotarians across Nebraska, Southwest Iowa, and beyond.

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 train 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 throughout Rotary with some of the organization's highest honors, including the Rotary International Citation for Meritorious Service, the Regional Service Award for a Polio-Free World, and the Service Above Self Award. She was also a Paul Harris Fellow +8, a Bequest Society Level 1 member, and a Benefactor of The Rotary Foundation.  She was recognized with our District's highest honor, the Cadwallader Award in 2009.

Nicki first became a Rotarian in 1989, serving as a member of the Council Bluffs Rotary Club and later the Grand Island Rotary Club before joining the Rotary Club of Lincoln South in 1997. She served as Club President in 1998-1999. Throughout her Rotary journey, she held numerous leadership roles, including:

District Leadership

  • District Executive Secretary (2016-2027)
  • District Grant Chair (2013-2027)
  • Heartland Rotary Leadership Institute Chair (2008-2024); Chair Emeritus (2024-2027)
  • Assistant Governor (2015-2016; 2017-2019)
  • District Rotary Public Image Chair (2017-2019)
  • District Learning Facilitator (2003-2004)

Lincoln South Rotary Club Leadership

  • Club Membership Chair (2025-2027)
  • Club President (1998-1999)
  • Club Public Image Chair (2021-2027)
  • Club Executive Secretary/Director (2013-2027)
  • Club Secretary (1999-2027)

 

While her accomplishments were many, Nicki will be remembered most for her friendship, generosity, wisdom, and steadfast commitment to helping others succeed. Whether supporting club leaders, guiding district officers, welcoming new members, or working behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly, she exemplified Rotary's motto of Service Above Self.

Please keep Nicki's family, friends, fellow Lincoln South Rotarians, and all who were touched by her life and service in your thoughts during this difficult time.

Nicki's legacy will continue through the countless lives she influenced, the leaders she mentored, and the enduring impact of her service to Rotary.