Carole Kleinjan

Carole Jeanne (Moser) Kleinjan was born on November 14, 1933, to Mary (Paulsen) and Albert Moser on a rural farm in Steen, Minnesota. She passed away on August 2, 2024, at age 90 in Reno, Nevada surrounded by loving family members. 

When Carole was only a year and a half old, her father was tragically killed in an automobile accident leaving her mother with four small children. Her mother, Mary, returned to work as a registered nurse and Carole's grandparents Otto and Kate Paulsen and Chris and Emilie Moser helped raise the children. Carole had fond memories of her grandparents. Carole moved from Steen to Luverne, Minnesota where her mother worked at the Luverne Hospital. When her mother remarried, the family moved to a farm in rural Pipestone, Minnesota. Carole attended Pipestone High School, graduating in 1951. She met her future husband, Floyd Kleinjan, on a blind date on Christmas Eve in 1951. They were married on June 9, 1952. 

Once married, Floyd and Carole moved to Denver, Colorado for about two years while Floyd was serving in the U.S. Air Force. When Floyd returned from his deployment to Korea, they made the decision to relocate to Southern California in 1954. They resided in Bellflower, California for over 40 years where they raised their four children, Jane, Marjorie, Catherine, and Scott. While growing up, her children recall delicious Sunday dinners followed by fun and lively conversation. When her youngest child started elementary school, Carole enrolled at Cerritos Community College and earned an associate's degree as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. For approximately 30 years, she worked as a nurse, first in an Emergency Department and later at Bellflower Medical Group. When Floyd and Carole retired, they purchased a home in Lake Havasu, Arizona. They also owned a summer home in Lake Benton, Minnesota. Carole & Floyd welcomed their children and grandchildren every summer for epic firework displays, hearty home cooked meals which included vegetables from her bountiful garden. She also greatly enjoyed mowing about two acres on the riding mower. Floyd and Carole enjoyed many winters in Lake Havasu and summers in Lake Benton. They were married for 59 years and had a wonderful life until his death in 2012. 

Carole loved to have fun with her friends and family. She loved to laugh and tell stories. She was also mischievous and was known to engage in playful pranks such as joy riding in her parent's car at age 14. Her many hobbies included cooking, gardening, ceramics, knitting, sewing, and mostly spending time with her family. She loved ice cream and cookies, preferably together. Carole and Floyd were world travelers, many times going off the beaten path. On one trip they rented a car and drove alone through Namibia, Southwest Africa and were chased by an elephant. 

Carole is survived by her four children, Jane (Edward Petrella) Kleinjan of Wellesley, Massachusetts, Marjorie (Bob) Kenny of Reno, Nevada, Cathy (Kelly) Bruton of Fullerton, California, and Scott (Carrie) Kleinjan of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

She is also survived by ten grandchildren, Jay Kenny, John Kenny, Jill Kenny Skinner, Bret Orner, David Bruton, Allison Bruton, Daniel Bruton, Joshua Kleinjan, Kathryn Kleinjan, and Eric Kleinjan; and ten great-grandchildren, Jeffrey Skinner, Serena Skinner, Shayla Skinner, Mason Kenny, TJ Kenny, Gabriel Kenny, Johanna Kenny, Aaron Bruton, Louisa Orner, and Harvey Bruton. 

Carole was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Albert Moser; infant twin sisters; her husband, Floyd; an infant son, Albert Edward; and three brothers, Leon Moser, Lowell Moser, and Lyle Moser. 

The family is especially grateful to Seniors Helping Seniors of Reno, Nevada for the friendship and care they provided to Carole during the last two years of her life. Carole's granddaughter, Jill Skinner and her husband, Jeff Skinner were instrumental in assisting Carole in maintaining her independence in her home for several years. Their loving companionship was greatly appreciated. 

She was the best mother anyone could ever wish for and will be eternally missed!

A private family interment was held at the Hillside Cemetery in Edgerton, Minnesota.   A celebration of life will be held at a later date.