LaVern Klimpel

LaVern was born Dec. 30, 1942, at Minot, the son of Ervin and Mae (Hartlieb) Klimpel. He was raised and educated in Minot. He left high school to assist with the care of his mother after an automobile accident left her paralyzed.

At the age of 14, LaVern joined his dad and brother, Jerry, in the construction industry as a heavy equipment operator with Peterson Excavating. He worked there for 33 years until 1992, when the company was dissolved. He also worked for Lindteigen Construction building roads in the Carrington area and for Excavating Inc., working on various flood control projects in the area. He had spent the past 20 years working for Mattson Construction as a heavy equipment operator and was often complimented as the “best finish operator around.” LaVern spent five decades “moving dirt” in the Minot area. He truly enjoyed his work. LaVern was once married to Venus Quam.

LaVern was united in marriage to Joan “Jodi” Halstengard Nov. 11, 1989, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, in Minot, by Pastor Carlyle Roth. They continued to make their home in Minot throughout the years, where he loved to tinker and could fix just about anything. He was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, where he had remained active throughout the years. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren, cherishing all the moments he spent with them.

LaVern’s loving family includes: his wife, Jodi; children, Jared (Jen) Klimpel, Surrey, Sheila (Doug) Heisler, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Joan (Mitch) Preskey, Glenburn, Dean Halstengard and his friend, Marnita, Minot, and Terry (Cyndi) Halstengard, Mandan; 11 grandchildren; brother, Dennis (Karen) Klimpel, Minot; sisters, Gloria (Gary) Lenton, Norwich, Audrey (Brian) Beck, Minot, and Debbie (Carl) Denkinger, Faribault, Minn.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

LaVern was preceded in death by: his parents; brothers, George, Lyle and Jerry Klimpel; and sisters, Luella (Mike) Tabak, Patsy (Harold) Hansen and Thelma Klimpel.

Funeral service: 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 15, in St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

Visitation: 2 to 5 p.m. today, Tuesday, in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Those wishing to sign the online memorial register or share memories are invited to use the expressions of sympathy section at thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com.