Elmer Kleven

Elmer Kleven was born on March 24, 1919 in Grygla, Minnesota. Elmer served in the armed forces infantry division in the South Pacific. Elmer returned to North Dakota attending mechanic school at Hanson Auto Mechanic Institute in Fargo. He met his wife, Florence Kleven in Northwood, North Dakota and married in April, 1951 moving to Spokane, Washington in October, 1951. Elmer took a position as gear specialist at Spokane Truck Sales where he worked on long-haul transmissions. Elmer retired after 35 years of service, opening up his own business at home working until the age of 80. Elmer is preceded in death by his sisters Mable Tweten and Alice Hagen. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Florence Kleven of Spokane; son, Greg Kleven of London, England; daughter Jan Nguyen of Lynwood Washington; brothers Herb Kleven of Kent, Washington and Orlin Kleven of Grapeview, Washington, brother Rudy Kleven of Grand Forks N.D, and grandchildren Dane Kleven of Los Angeles, California, Matthias Kleven of San Francisco, California, Nick Nguyen and Lauren Nguyen of Lynwood, WA. Elmer loved auto mechanics. It was his true calling. He was actively involved in the life of his church, his children and grandchildren. Visitation for family and friends will be Sunday the 24th, between noon and 3 PM at the funeral home. The service for Elmer Kleven will be held at Riplinger Funeral Home at 4305 N. Division Street at 10:00 a.m. on Monday the 25th of February. It will be presided by Duane Anderson, former pastor of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, and Laura Olsen, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church. The graveside burial will occur at Spokane Memorial Gardens Cemetery the following morning at 9am.