Stuart Klefstad

Stuart James Klefstad, age 62, resident of rural Pekin, ND died Friday, November 16, 2012 at the Nelson County Health System - Hospital in McVille, ND.

Stuart was born August 25, 1950 in McVille, ND 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, NDSU, and received his bachelor's degree from UND. 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 2001-2010.

In September 1972 Stuart married Cecilia Zach at Fairmont, ND. Together they had 4 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; 4 children, Luke (Nikki Jo) of Grand Forks, ND, Connie of Grand Forks, ND, Carri of Minot, ND and Laura (Blake) Williams of Mohall, ND; 2 step daughters, Tami (George) Langstaff of Austin, MN and Amanda (Jim) Maskey of Bismarck, ND; siblings, Betty Ann Bina of McVille, ND, Judy (John) Bata of Centennial, CO, Linda (Craig) Halvorson of Langdon, ND, Alan (Gayle) of Tolna, ND, Sheila (Tim) Halvorson of Pekin, ND, Lanny (Tammy) of Pekin, ND, Marsha (David) Hendrickson of Colfax, ND and Bruce of Pekin, ND; 9 grandchildren, Katelyn, Brett, Cameron, Easton, Alayna, Emma, Gavin, Jacob, and Samuel; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins

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

A Celebration of Life for Stuart will be held Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 10 AM in the Sheyenne Lutheran Church, rural Pekin, ND with a time of fellowship to follow at the Pekin Community Center. Honorary Pallbearers will be Richard Bjorlie and the North Dakota Highway Patrol. There will be a Prayer Service on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at 7 PM in the Sheyenne Lutheran Church; you are encouraged to wear your Fighting Sioux attire. Interment will be in the Klefstad Family Cemetery, rural Pekin, ND.