Stuart Klefstad

PEKIN - Stuart James Klefstad, 62, resident of rural Pekin, died Nov. 16, 2012, at Nelson County Health System-Hospital, McVille.

Stuart was born Aug. 25, 1950, in McVille, the son of Arnot and Mercedes (Messner) Klefstad. He grew up and attended school in the Pekin and Tolna area, and graduated from Tolna High School in 1968. He attended college at Lake Region State College, North Dakota State University and received his bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota.

Stuart joined the North Dakota Highway Patrol in 1972. During his 29 years of service, he was stationed in Cando, Grafton, Devils Lake and Minot, and retired as captain in 2001. He continued his service as a security guard for the Federal Building in Minot from 2001-10.

In September 1972, Stuart married Cecilia Zach at Fairmont. Together, they had four children. Cecilia passed away from cancer in 2004. In August 2008, Stuart married Shirley Erickson in Pekin. They made their home in rural Pekin at Stony Acres.

Stuart enjoyed spending time with his family, especially with his grandkids. He was known to have a good sense of humor and was quite the jokester. He was an avid Fighting Sioux fan and enjoyed attending many hockey games.

Stuart is survived by his wife, Shirley; four children, Luke (Nikki Jo), Grand Forks, Connie, Grand Forks, Carri, Minot, and Laura (Blake) Williams, Mohall; two stepdaughters, Tami (George) Langstaff, Austin, Minn., and Amanda (Jim) Maskey, Bismarck; his siblings, Betty Ann Bina, McVille, Judy (John) Bata, Centennial, Colo., Linda (Craig) Halvorson, Langdon, Alan (Gayle), Tolna, Sheila (Tim) Halvorson, Pekin, Lanny (Tammy), Pekin, Marsha (David) Hendrickson, Colfax, and Bruce, Pekin; nine grandchildren, Katelyn, Brett, Cameron, Easton, Alayna, Emma, Gavin, Jacob and Samuel; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins

Stuart was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Cecilia; and two brothers-in-law, Duane Bina and Gene Larson.

A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21, at Sheyenne Lutheran Church, rural Pekin, with a time of fellowship to follow at Pekin Community Center. Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Bjorlie and the North Dakota Highway Patrol. Interment will be in Klefstad Family Cemetery, rural Pekin.

There will be a prayer service at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Sheyenne Lutheran Church; you are encouraged to wear your Fighting Sioux attire. (Stanley-Iverson Funeral Home, McVille)