John Kleven

John David Kleven was a caring and humble husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He left this world peacefully on December 1, 2022 at age 75.

He was born to Dale and Dorothy (Hillesland) Kleven on March 23, 1947. After graduating from Aneta High School, John entered the Navy on June 14, 1966 and served until his honorary discharge on February 13, 1970. He married the love of his life, Virginia “Ginny” Kartes, on December 29, 1970. He graduated from the first graduating class of the Law Enforcement Academy in North Dakota in 1971 and would go on to serve as Chief of Police of Edgeley, ND for 10 years. During this time he and his wife would begin to raise 4 children; Christopher, Daniel, Kelsey and Grant. John went on to help a local farmer up until all his kids were out of high school. He then went on to serve as a Sergeant at the James River Correctional Center in Jamestown, ND until his retirement in 2014.

In his retirement, John loved spending time with his children, 5 grandchildren, ice fishing, camping, hunting, and accompanying his wife on their many shopping excursions.

John is preceded in death by his parents; two brother-in-laws, Gary Dietrich and Mark Kartes; infant brother-in-law, Steven Kartes; and a sister-in-law, Mary Jean Kartes. He is survived by his wife, Ginny; children, Christopher (Nichole Schlosser) Kleven of Clifford, ND and their 2 children, Elizabeth and Jakob; Daniel Kleven of Jamestown, ND; Kelsey Opsahl of Detroit Lakes, MN; and Grant (Amber Rothwell) Kleven and their 3 children; Larkin, Bentlee, and Makynleigh “Gracie” of Jamestown, ND; four brothers; Jim, Jerry (Patty Zimprich), Jason (Anne Marie Raaen), and Jody; 2 brother-in-laws; John Kartes and Tom Kartes (Theresa Ireland); 2 sister-in-laws; Betty (Kartes) Dietrich and Corine (Carpenter) Kartes;along with many nieces and nephews.

John’s sly grin and humor will be missed by all.

A visitation will be held at Eddy Funeral Home in Jamestown, ND on Sunday, December 4, 2022 beginning at 4 pm with a prayer service at 6 pm. Funeral service is scheduled for 11 am on December 5, 2022 at the Eddy Funeral Home.