Wallace Nels Kleven was born on February 18, 1933 to Ole and Dorothy (Peterson) Kleven,byHillhead,SD.Heattended country school through the 8th grade, as he was needed to work on the family farm. In 1954, at the age of 21, he enlisted in the Army. He put ranching on hold and sold his cattle. He was then stationed in Landstuhl, Germany for 2 years and his duty was to issue supplies. After the service, Wallace returned to the homestead that he loved. He worked for several farmers, Steven’s Construction and he was also a mail carrier.

Wallace married Marlene Herman and they resided near Hillhead, SD. In 1963, they purchased a farmstead north of Veblen, on the North and South Dakota border. Wallace served on the Production Credit Association board and Church council. He was also a proud member of the American Legion. In 2009, upon retirement, Wallace and Marlene moved to their Fargo home. In the city, Wallace thought it was a real luxury to have a newspaper at the front door and he appreciated short trips to the store. They still, however, looked forward to trips back and forth to the farm. Wallace was the best dad, grandpa and great grandpa we could ask for! As a dad, we like to describe him as: thoughtful, patient, gentle and kind. As a grandpa, he was attentive, supportive, and he was always intrigued by the kids’ imaginations. Wallace was also innovative, as he found a way to fix most everything. We still chuckle at some interesting “inventions” he came up with.

Some of family’s most cherished memories are: fishing at Tewaukon Lake, swimming at Clear and Roy Lake, ice skating on the stock dam, making homemade ice cream, picnics with relatives, trying to train horses, raising baby chicks and piglets, chasing cows from the pasture, riding motorcycles and the three wheeler, going to local rodeos, and driving trucks and tractors. Wallace was committed to “just be out farming” and his connection to the land was evident throughout his entire life. Even after moving to Fargo, he found joy in planting and caring for trees and flowers. Wallace valued his relatives and hired men. He spent numerous hours visiting with them and truly appreciated that quality time. He also loved meeting other farmers and hearing the details of their operations. He recognized others’ knowledge and knew he could learn something from everyone. Wallace never stopped nurturing, sharing wisdom, or providing positive advice. We, as family, will forever admire how he always put others first. The life skills that he modeled will forever be a part of us all.

Blessed be the memory of Wallace Nels Kleven.

Wallace is survived by his daughters – Deb (Tim) Soma of rural Cooperstown, ND and Judy (Brett) Schaible of West Fargo, ND; his grandchildren – Hannah (Soma) and her husband, Jeremy Schmidgall of Vining, MN; Travis Soma and his wife, Ali of rural Cooperstown, ND; Taylor Schaible and Fiancé, Andrew Frederick of Fargo, ND; his great grandsons – Tayden (17), Porter (14), Brodyn (13), and Boone (7), all of Vining, MN; as well as many special nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marlene; his son, David; his brother, Roger; his sisters-Mary Ann Herman and Nellie Mannin; brothers-in-law- Malloy Herman, Wayne Mannin; sister- in-law, Mary (Herman) Brown; nephews- Jason Shephard and Kevin Herman.

Memorials may be given to Zion Cemetery, c/o Lois Tyler, 44224 107th St., Veblen, SD 57270, or church/cemetery of your choice. Online guestbook: www.frankfamilyfuneralhome.