LeRoy H. Klasen

LeRoy H. Klasen, age 90, of Parkers Prairie, formerly of Bemidji, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at St. William's Living Center in Parkers Prairie. 

A celebration of life gathering will be held from 1-2 p.m., Friday, September 27, 2024, at the St. William’s Living Center chapel followed by full military honors accorded by the Minnesota Honor Guard and Parkers Prairie American Legion Post #219.

LeRoy Herman Klasen was born on July 21, 1934, to Herman and Clara (Huewe) Klasen on the family farm in Puposky, Minnesota. Shortly after his birth, his twin brother, Roy, arrived. LeRoy attended St. Philip's Catholic School through the 8th grade. Even while he was in school, LeRoy began helping his father in the logging business, a trade he would continue throughout his life. In 1954, LeRoy enlisted in the United States Army and served overseas in Korea. After being honorably discharged in 1956, he married Janet Arfsten on September 22 of the same year. Together, they had four daughters, whom they raised in Bemidji, Minnesota. LeRoy was a lifelong logger but also worked as a truck driver for C.D. Haugen and took on road construction jobs at times. However, his passion for logging remained constant throughout his career. In his spare time, he enjoyed both rifle and bow hunting, fishing, and, in his later years, traveling. He cherished spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Janet in 1993; daughter, Roxanne Melberg in 2019; granddaughter, Lisa Melberg in 2021; brothers, Roy and Herbie Klasen; and sisters Lucille Wright and Darlene Bitzer. 

LeRoy is survived by his three daughters, Sherri Klasen, Kim (Jeff) Johnson, and Kris (Joe Waslaski) Klasen; son-in-law, Dan Melberg; six grandchildren, Bryce (Megan) Klasen, Jeremy Johnson, Jessie (Tonya) Johnson, Casey Stone, Josh Klasen, and Matt Melberg; 10 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

In lieu of memorials or flowers, memorials are preferred to the St. William's Living Center Activities Department.