Alvin David Kleinsasser

Alvin D. Kleinsasser of North Mankato, MN died  Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at the age of 100 at Vista Prairie at Monarch Meadows.

Alvin was born at home on January 12, 1924 to Rev. John and Catherina (Wollman) Kleinsasser in rural Chaseley, North Dakota where he lived with his parents and siblings until the age of 16, at which time he left to further his education.

He accepted Christ as Savior at the age of 14 and received his call to the ministry a year later.  His spiritual upbringing was in the Faith Mennonite Church under the ministry of his father and mother.  

His education started at the Eddy School District #3 rural Chaseley.  He then became a student at the Minot Bible Institute, transferring to Bethany Bible Institute of Munich, North Dakota from which he graduated.  His high school education took place at the Tabor College Academy, Hillsboro, Kansas completing graduate requirements in 2 ½ years.  He continued his studies at Grace Bible Institute in Omaha, Nebraska.  He then became a student at the University of Kansas City, Missouri, where he delved into the study of psychology and sociology.  He continued his studies at the Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, majoring in Rural Church Leadership.  He then completed the theological degree requirements of Central Baptist Seminary, Kansas City, Kansas.  After eight years of pastoral ministry, he returned to Central Seminary to complete studies for his second theological degree.   

In August 1945 he was united in marriage to Alvina Goertzen.  Together they served multiple churches including Allendorf, IA, Meade, KS, Adrian, MO, Jennings, LA, Mt. Lake, MN, Donnellson, IA, and Whitewater, KS  They enjoyed the uniqueness and adventure of each place they lived.  After retiring from full-time ministry Alvin and Alvina moved back to Mt. Lake, MN.   In 1992, after 47 years of marriage, Alvina passed away in Mt. Lake, MN.  

In August 1996 Alvin was united in marriage to Elma Franklin in Martin, ND.  Alvin & Elma served as volunteer workers for 11 years at the Rio Grande Bible Institute of Edinburg, TX.  They enjoyed the winters in Texas and the summers in North Dakota.  During that time they served a congregation composed of winter Texans representing many different denominational backgrounds.  Elma passed away in 2016 after 19 years of marriage.  Alvin then moved to North Mankato, MN to be near family. 

Alvin enjoyed traveling (including the Holy Land and Europe), family camping trips, gardening, hunting, fishing (saltwater and freshwater), photography, reading, and metal work.  

Alvin had a lifelong passion of introducing people to Jesus.  He had a strong faith and eagerly looked forward to life beyond the grave.  He believed this earthly life was preparation for the Heavenly life that was to follow.  He enjoyed humor in his faith.  Once while cracking pecans and sorting the nut meats from the shell he made the statement:  “When my body lies in the casket, remember it is only the shell, the nut is gone.”

Alvin is survived by his three children, Janette (Neal) Stoeckman of Sheridan, CO, Glenn (Sharon) Kleinsasser of North Mankato, MN, Larry (Beverly) Kleinsasser of Northglenn, CO;  six grandchildren, Chris (Debbie) Stoeckman, Long Branch, NJ, Jon (Dallas) Stoeckman, Andover, MN, Jessica Stoeckman, Burnsville, MN, Sara (Kevin) Tan, Minnetonka, MN, Andy (Bonita) Kleinsasser, Wichita, KS, Amanda (Ryan) Graham, Fountain, CO; 10 great-grandchildren, Jonny Stoeckman, Ruby Stoeckman, Olvinea Determan, Kormick Determan, Caspian Determan, Selah Tan, Dashiell Tan, Evelina Kleinsasser, Henry Kleinsasser and James Kleinsasser.

Alvin was preceded in death by his parents; spouses; infant granddaughter; four sisters and one brother.

A private family graveside service will be held at the Mt. Lake Cemetery.  He will be buried next to his wife, Alvina.