Daniel Kleven Obituary
Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, both at Vinje Lutheran Church. The service will be streamed on the church's YouTube page. Interment with military honors will be at Cloverleaf Cemetery in Willmar. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Vinje Lutheran Church, Minnesota Public Radio, or PBS. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Homes.
Dan, a Vietnam veteran and graduate of Mankato State University, was born February 24, 1949, at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar to Wally and Nellie Kleven.
One of his first jobs was working in a men's clothing store, where he developed an appreciation for fine clothes-he was always looking sharp.
After graduating from college, Dan returned home to work on the family dairy farm. Following his father's passing, he began a career at Pioneer Hi-Bred, where he worked in corn research.
Dan believed strongly in giving back. He was always involved in sports, his church, and served on multiple community boards throughout his life.
Two things Dan treasured most were the outdoors and people. The coffee pot was always on and the sauna always hot. Friends were family, and family were friends. His energy was infectious, and he had a gift for easily making friends-young and old-often striking up conversations with complete strangers by asking, "So what's for dinner tonight?" Dan honored those who paved his way and served as a grounding force and source of wisdom for all who were blessed to share his company.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wally and Nellie Kleven, and his sister, Kathy. Dan is survived by his loving wife, Debbie; his children, Eric (Kenzie), Grant (Mollie), and Andrew (Stephanie); his grandchildren, Elizabeth, Nora, Zoey, and June; his sisters, Lisa (Eric) and Jodi (Thom); and many beloved nieces and nephews.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Daniel Arthur Kleven, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Linda and Don Hanson
February 15, 2026
Both Don and I were so sad to hear of Danny´s passing. Our Hearts are with Debbie and the boys. What an Amazing character " Kleven" was. Many fun memories.
Jerome N Lensing
February 13, 2026
Remember Dan from my days working for Pioneer in Marshall. Prayers your way!
Jerome Lensing
Darlene Larson
February 12, 2026
I was so sorry to hear of Danny's passing. He was my best friend when we were growing up. We traveled many miles going back and forth on that little dirt road between our farms. I didn't get to see much of him after we left school. When I moved to other cities, I didn't get back to the area very often. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Darlene Larson
Clyde Tiffany
February 6, 2026
Dear Debbie and family,
We were saddened to hear of Dan´s passing. He was such a tremendous person with an outsized personality.
I was fortunate to interact with him through our time working for Pioneer. He always made me laugh and would cut right to the heart of any situation. Many kids learned how to handle the hot, dirty job of pollinating corn with Dan engaging them with his edgy humor and unique view of life.
I loved listening to the MPR recordings of his observations of Vietnam via his distinctive voice. He was a brave man who served our country with honor.
Rest well, good friend.
Clyde and Annette Tiffany
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