Dorothy Kleven

Dorothy Darlene Kleven, age 98 of Westbrook, passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Sanford Westbrook Hospital.  Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 15, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook, MN with a lunch to follow.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church on Monday.  Interment will be in the Westbrook Cemetery following the service.  Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Dorothy Darlene Kleven was born June 5, 1925 to Bennie and Esther (Ring) Benson on a farm in Jackson County, Minnesota. Dorothy attended country school in Delafield Township, then Windom High School for two years, and graduated from Westbrook High School in 1943. She was confirmed at the Norwegian Lutheran Church in Windom. After high school, Dorothy worked as a telephone operator in Minneapolis. It was here that she met her future husband, Alvin Kleven, through mutual friends. Dorothy and Alvin were married on June 22, 1946, and together they made their home on a farm near Westbrook and celebrated 75 wonderful years together. Dorothy worked hard as a farmer’s wife, homemaker, and mother. She was always working on many projects, including painting, rosemaling, sewing, quilting, cooking, and baking. Dorothy and Alvin spent many hours doing crafts in their shop which was converted from a chicken house, and painted on lots of things, including the carvings Alvin made. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where she made banners and confirmation stoles, and enjoyed attending Bible study. She was also active in various community organizations. Dorothy was a very independent woman and was able to remain on the farm until she was 98 years old. Because of her failing sight, she listened to many audiobooks in her later years. Dorothy loved sitting in the sunshine and tending to her potted flowers.

Dorothy is survived by her children: Lynette (Doug) Smith of Sand Springs, OK, Doug (Carolyn) Kleven of Parker, CO, Bruce Kleven of Sacred Heart and Craig (Linda) Kleven of Walnut Grove; grandchildren: Shannon Hanks, Colleen Ladd, Wade Kleven, Weston Kleven, Ross Kleven, Brian Kleven, Justin Kleven, Brandon Kleven, Ashley Wahl, Dawn Scott and John Scarset; 24 great grandchildren; brother William Benson of Worthington; and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Bennie & Esther Benson, husband Alvin Kleven, infant grandson, and siblings: Myron Benson, Betty Leversedge and Elaine Horsman.