Marian J Klaseus

Mankato Mortuary
1001 N. Riverfront Dr.
Mankato, MN 56001
507-388-2202

Marian Jean Klaseus, age 93, of Brooklyn Center, formerly of Plymouth, New Hope and Mankato, passed away on Sunday, January 13, 2013, at 9 a.m. The long-time Minneapolis area resident died of respiratory failure at North Memorial Medical Center due to pneumonia and congestive heart failure after a valiant nine-day fight.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 19, 2013, at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Mankato. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Mankato. Visitation will be one hour prior to the mass at the church. Memorials are preferred to Ladies Auxiliary of Golden Valley Post 7051 or St. Joseph Parish Community of New Hope. Mankato Mortuary assisted with the arrangements.

Marian was born in Mankato and grew up in Le Hillier. Marian attended Mankato Elementary, Campus High School and Mankato High School. Her first job was a nurses aide at the former St. Josephs Hospital, Mankato. Marian married Matt Klaseus on February 5, 1938, at SS Peter and Pauls Parish. Marian went on to attend Blue Earth County Vo-Tech, graduating with a machinist certificate. She worked for Kato Engineering as a precision grinder until 1942, when the couple moved to Albert Lea. Marian moved back to Mankato when Matt went off to World War II in 1943. In 1967, the family moved to the Twin Cities.

Marian retired twice and finally at age 83. She loved to bowl, fish, read, travel, and periodically, visit a casino. She took up golf late in life and more recently enjoyed her assisted living community gatherings. She also loved gardening. Marian was a life member of Golden Valley VFW Post 7051 and its Auxiliary, a life member of American Legion Club Post 11 in Mankato and a life member of Degree of Honor #5 of Minnesota.

Marian is survived by her daughters, Sue Klaseus of Minneapolis, Kathy (Jeff) Nelson of Crystal, and Karen Klaseus of St. Paul; seven grandchildren, Deb Polchow, Jon (Jeanna) Polchow, Brian (Leigh) Nelson, Laura (Chris) Dumont, Amy (Matt) Cole, Troy (Jennifer) Nygaard, and Natalie Wright; 15 great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces, nephews, care givers and extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Matt J. Klaseus in 1987; son, John Henry Klaseus in 1948; parents, Laura Larsen and John F. Lilienkamp; twin brothers, Victor (Betty) Lilienkamp and Jack (Stella) Lilienkamp; sisters, Fredora Hoffman Schultz and Deloris Granaas; and her infant great-granddaughter, Mila.