Mavis Kleist

Mavis Kleist, 80, died peacefully on April 19, 2015 at her home in Richfield, after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Mavis Kleist was born January 20, 1935 in Arlington Township, Sibley County, MN, the daughter of Elmer and Lena (Jaus) Voight. She graduated from Arlington-Green Isle High School in 1953. On May 21, 1955, Mavis was united in marriage to Kenneth Kleist at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Arlington, Minnesota. Her years were spent raising the family as Kenny followed his career through Minnesota, California, Florida, New Mexico and New York. They shared 24 years of marriage before Kenneth passed away on February 15, 1979.

Mavis enjoyed traveling, gardening, spending time at the lake and collecting Christmas ornaments. She especially loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her many friends. Mavis is survived by her loving family; children, Steve (Joanne) Kleist, Cynthia Kleist, Barbara Kleist (fiancé David Holman), Jim Kleist, and David (Xiaoyen); grandchildren, Sarah (John) Schultz, Andrew Kleist; great-grandchildren, Miriam and Rebecca Schultz; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Raymond Belanger, Glenn (Gerry) Kleist; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mavis was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Lena Voight; husband, Kenneth Kleist; sister, Geraldine Belanger; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Lyle (Mary) Kleist; Dale (Linda) Kleist.