John Nicholas Klaseus

Mankato Mortuary
388-2202

Longtime concrete block maker John Nicholas Klaseus died at his home Monday, May 23, 2011, surrounded by his loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, North Mankato. Father Peter Nosbush will officiate. Visitation will be Wednesday 4 " 7 at Mankato Mortuary with a prayer service at 6:30, and one hour prior to the service on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Holy Rosary Catholic Church or ISJ Hospice.

Mr. Klaseus was born February 28, 1934 in Belgrade Township, Nicollet County to Nickolas and Cecilia (Hodapp) Klaseus. He enlisted in the US Army in 1953 during the Korean War. He served just over three years. He saw duty in the Far East, in Japan and Guam. State-side duty included Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, and California.

He married Lorraine Gostonczik September 13, 1960 at the Church of the Nativity, Cleveland, Minnesota.

He worked at Superior Concrete and Block Company for 46 years. He also worked for Hiniker Sand & Gravel and Dauffenbach Construction as a heavy equipment operator. He was a life-long member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in North Mankato. He was an usher at 8 a.m. mass for 40 years. He was a member of the Holy Rosary School Board where he was instrumental in starting the kindergarten program. In 2007, he received the Bishop's Medal of Service Award.

He was a long-time member of LeSueur County Pioneer Power Association. An avid collector and restorer of old time tractors, gas engines, and other old things. He served on the Pioneer Power board of directors for four years.

He loved spending time with family and friends, and especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and deer hunting. John loved spending time in his shop working on projects and visiting with friends.

Mr. Klaseus is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lorraine. Children: Nicholas (Mary) Klaseus, LeSueur; Catherine (David) Neve, Mankato; Elizabeth (Kurt) Schroeder, North Mankato, and Christopher (Barb) Klaseus, St. Peter; four grandchildren Kaitlin, Joshua, Ethan, and Noah; brothers-in-law, Francis (Mary) Gostonczik of Osage, IA, Jerry (Kathy) Gostonczik, of St. Peter; sisters-in-laws, Yvonne Gostonczik of North Mankato, Janet Gostonczik of Mankato; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Mr. Klaseus is preceded in death by his parents, Nickolas and Cecilia; a brother, Lyle; two sisters Maxine Klaseus and Jeanne Veroeven; and infant daughter, Teresa.