Leslie Klebesadel

Leslie Joe "Buzz" Klebesadel, 83, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on December 30, 2011.

He was born August 18, 1928 on a dairy farm in Troy, Wisconsin.

In 1949, Les first came to the Territory of Alaska at age 20 before attending UW, where he met his future wife Mary Jane (Kleinheinz), after being seated alphabetically next to her in a physics class. They married January 22, 1955 and due to his growing love for Alaska, he convinced Mary Jane to move to Alaska with him in 1957; maybe for two years. They settled in the Matanuska Valley and lived there the rest of his life, raising five children at their hilltop home near Palmer. He dedicated his career to expanding the world's knowledge of adapting forage crops to northern latitudes, for both individual and global benefit.

Les served as the first Director of the Palmer Community College and later taught courses there after it became Matanuska-Susitna College. He authored over 90 scientific publications, and co-authored another 20 more. He retired in 1987 as University of Alaska Professor Emeritus following 30 years of research on forage crop management, adaptation to northern climates, and plant physiology with the University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Les loved his wife and family dearly. He most enjoyed spending time together with his family whether it was exploring castles in Europe, traveling to Hawai'i where he and Mary Jane honeymooned, back home to Wisconsin, or simply picnicking at Moose creek.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Jane, all their children, their spouses and grandchildren, Lani, Dan (Janet, Amy & Shauna), Jim (Lindell, Hannah & Emma), Bill (Lucy, Jennifer & Danielle) & Tom (Dylan, Morgan & Rayanne).

Anyone desiring to contribute are encouraged to make a donation to a charity of their choice in Leslie's name, as he would like to benefit those "down the trail."

A memorial service will be held Thursday, January 5th, at 4:00pm at the United Protestant Church in Palmer, 713 South Denali Street.

For full obituary see the Frontiersman website.