Donald A Klebenow

Donald A Klebenow, 88, died December 31, 2021 in Reno, Nevada. Don was a university professor at the University of Nevada Reno, teaching Wildlife Management. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Montana. His doctorate was from the University of Idaho, Moscow. His early teaching career began at Texas Tech where he was named Teacher of the Year in the College of Agriculture. After Texas Tech he continued his career at UNR. He was well known in his field; authoring many articles for publication and received many awards including the Nevada Wildlife Federation Wildlife Conservationist of the Year, the James D Yoakum Award for Outstanding Service and Commitment to the Wildlife Society and the US Forest Service Partnership Award for the Jarbidge Elk Habitat Foundation. He retired Professor of Wildlife Emeritus. After his university retirement he worked as a consultant on several natural resource related issues.
Mentor to many and a friend to all. He was a talented lifelong artist and craftsman, playing guitar, banjo, harmonica and polkas on his accordion. His interests included history, especially of Lewis and Clark, photography, clock repair and manufacture, scrimshaw, metal work, wood work, whittling, and powder horns. He gifted many of those items which are prized by family and friends.
He was an avid bird watcher and enjoyed many outdoor activities including stargazing, canoeing the route of Lewis and Clark on the Missouri River in Montana, camping, hunting, target shooting and fishing; passing on this love to his children and grandchildren.
He and his wife, Jean, traveled throughout the United States and different parts of the world. They participated in every school and after school event of their grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was a member of the Lake Crossing Muzzleloader Club and enjoyed participating in rendezvous and Dutch oven cooking. He would pitch a fly and make his camp in the park at the rendezvous site. There he would cook over his fire, shave with a straight razor, work on a powder horn and teach those interested in what life was like back then.
He gave his time freely; volunteering and doing whatever was asked.
He was born in Wisconsin, the second of five sons. Two are deceased. He is survived by brothers Jerry and Charlie. He married Jean, his wife of 68 years. Five children were born: Susan (Norb), Jennifer (Jack), Michael (Kris), Daniel (Kathy) and Donald T (Cindy). There are eight grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren with two more expected. All were treasured and all treasure him.
He was a proud Navy veteran serving on the USS Des Moines and will be inurned at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Fernley Golf Club, 50 Desert Lakes Dr, Fernley, NV on February 2, 2022 from 11:30 to 1:30. Inurnment will be at 2 p.m. at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 14 Veterans Way, Fernley, NV. We ask you wear a mask. Donations may be made in Don's name to your favorite wildlife organization.