Ramona Kleinjan

RAMONA GALE KLEINJAN was born October 24, 1933, to John and Lydia (Scheerhorn) Beckering in Pipestone, Minnesota. She grew up helping her father on the family farm in Edgerton. Mona loved driving her tractor on the farm or to school during her younger years and had a love for animals, which continued throughout her life. Mona graduated from Edgerton High School in 1951. She worked as a bookkeeper at the Edgerton Elevator, where she met the love of her life, Elmer. They were united in marriage in 1953, in her parent’s home in Edgerton. Together they were blessed with three children; Paul, Mary, and Mark. After taking some time off to take care of her children, Mona went back to work part-time as a bookkeeper at the Edgerton Elevator and the Edgerton Co-Op. She took pride in her large garden throughout her adulthood and always cared for hurt and abandoned animals.

Mona enjoyed fishing, camping, baking (she was known for making an amazing peanut brittle), cooking (especially her homemade hamburger soup), gardening, canning, hunting nightcrawlers with her children and grandchildren, drinking coffee, and traveling with her family. Mona enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, especially if it included a good rummage sale. She spent her final days making new friends at the Good Samaritan Society in Pipestone and passed away Thursday, May 13, 2021, at 87 years, six months, and 20 days.

Mona was a member of the First Reformed Church in Edgerton, MN, and was a charter member of TOPS. Everyone will remember Mona for being a jokester, having a nurturing heart, and always having her door open to anyone. Mona was well-loved, and everyone who knew her will miss her dearly.

Mona is survived by her children, Mary (Chris Larson) Kleinjan of Brookings, South Dakota, and Mark Kleinjan of Springfield, South Dakota; seven grandchildren, Amanda (Darren) Rouzer, Casandra Kleinjan, Angel Kleinjan, Zachary (Christine) Boyum, Dulcinea Boyum, Jace Larson, and Zander Larson; great-grandchildren, Dylan (Samantha) Rouzer, Aurora (Brendyn) Buehner, Dalton Kleinjan, Jazilyn Buys, Kaiden Fraser, Camden Boyum, Zemirah Boyum, and Caradyn Boyum; great-great-grandchildren, Emmett, Rylan, Leo, Maysen, and Greylin; sister, Lois Jean Klumper; and many other family and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband Elmer; parents John and Lydia; son Paul; brothers Raymond and Merlyn; sisters-in-law, Marian, Alma, Helen, Beth, and Nancy; brothers-in-law Gerrit, Stan, Harold, Erv, and Floyd; granddaughter Angel Kay; and great-granddaughter Paula Jo.