Alan Kline, 83, of Toledo, passed away Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at his home under the care of his family and Iowa River Hospice.

Alan Kline was a Southwest Iowa farm boy, born in Cass County in 1942.  He was raised on the small, hard-scrabble farm that his parents bought in the height of the Depression and tilled for the sustenance to raise seven kids.

Alan attended country school taught by Mrs. Mailander, and he graduated from Anita High School. Some achievements included being homecoming king and quarterback of the football team for two winning seasons.  He loved playing baseball, and dreamt of being a pro pitcher and exploring the world.

After earning an undergraduate degree from Iowa State University in economics and business administration, Alan lived in the Amazon region of Brazil from 1967 to 1970, working as a Peace Corps volunteer.  He returned to ISU for a graduate degree in economics.

Alan felt a deep connection and admiration for indigenous populations, and he took a job with a new Indian-controlled college in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, an area which he felt was home to some of the most beautiful people on the planet.  Alan said that he may have been born and raised in Cass County, Iowa, but he grew up in Brazil and Pine Ridge.

Alan eventually settled back in Iowa, and he worked with the Meskwaki tribe in Tama County.

He spent most of his professional life working with Native American people in Brazil and the United States.  It was his honor to work with and learn from some very durable cultures.  He was also an active United Way member.

Alan spent his retirement cultivating a vineyard, traveling the world, and playing with his grandkids. He also served as a member of the South Tama County school board and the Wieting Theatre Guild, while being a voracious reader and devoted Democrat.

Alan is survived by his wife Patricia, his three sons Chett, Chris, and Corey; his six grandchildren Cael, Caeden, Liliana, Jasper, Theo, and Errol; his sister Doris Heistand; his nephews Brady, Dennis, Brian, Stephen, Kasey, and Kyle; and nieces Barb, Linda, Leisa, Darla, Jana, Kella Jo, Tara, Tanja, Tracey, Eleanore. Preceding Alan's departure are his parents Chester and Edith, and his brothers Delbert, Daryl, Duane, Ronald, and Larry.

Alan's family will host a Celebration of Alan's Life event this summer in Toledo, IA.