Donovan Kleven

Bottineau

Donovan Kleven, age 67, of Bottineau, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, at his home in the Turtle Mountains. His funeral will be held on Monday, Oct. 30th, at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Bottineau. Visitation will be on Sunday, Oct. 29th, starting at 1:00 p.m. with a Family and Friend Service at 7:00 p.m. at Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. The burial will be at Nidaros Cemetery in Souris.

Donovan Martin Kleven was born to Oscar and Myrtle (Johnson) Kleven on February 28, 1956, in Bottineau. He was raised in Bottineau and spent summers on the family farm in the Turtle Mountains. From the very beginning, family was most important to him. He grew up with his dear sister, Betty, and was surrounded by many Kleven and Johnson relatives who played an integral part in his life. He graduated from Bottineau High School in 1974, where he played basketball and ran track. He played basketball in college and graduated from Mayville State with a business and physical education degree. He immediately began teaching at Bottineau Public School for over 30 years. He taught countless kids accounting, typing, health, phy-ed, and probably his favorite, drivers-ed.

On July 25, 1982, he married Debra Larson of Landa. They made their home in the Turtle Mountains near Lake Metigoshe, where they raised their three children. They enjoyed doing almost everything together: many four-wheeler rides, bonfires, road trips, and simple life in the country. They had a wonderful group of friends with whom they shared many treasured memories.

Don’s three children, Chelsea, Riley, and Jackson were the joy of his life. He could be counted on to help with anything they might need. He loved their spouses: Preston, Sara, Jaycee, and his seven grandkids. Time spent with family was what he valued most.

He was often a man of few words, but he also could be an excellent storyteller who would give listeners many laughs. He enjoyed his garden, haying, life on the farm, traveling, and watching any sporting game he could – especially Twins baseball.

Don loved the Bottineau community and was proud to be from a town with such wonderful people. He was an avid Bottineau Braves and Stars fan, participating in all capacities as a player, coach, and spectator. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Bottineau. In later years, he enjoyed being involved in Grace’s Awana program. His trust in God’s promises of grace and his hope in Jesus was the foundation of his life.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Deb; Three Children, Chelsea (Preston) Page of Mandan, Riley (Sara) Kleven of Bottineau, and Jackson (Jaycee) Kleven of Bottineau; 7 Grandchildren, Leo, Max, and Liv Page, Oscar and Emmett Kleven, Dawson and Piper Kleven; sister: Betty (Carl) Tengesdal; Father-in-law: Arnold Larson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Donovan is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Myrtle Kleven; mother-in-law, Jordiene Larson; sister-in-law, Diane Wingenbach.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Friends may sign the online register book at www.nerofuneralhome.net.

Published by The Minot Daily News, October 28, 2023.