Barbara D. Kleven

Barbara D. Kleven, 84, of Mason City, died on Sunday, April 7, 2024. A memorial service will be held Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 10 a.m., at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 North Pennsylvania, with Pastor Sid Bohls officiating. Family and friends are invited to a visitation after the service, from 11-12 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the Mason City Public Library. 

Barb's focus was always on her family.  She had 5 children and always put big meals on the table.  She was an excellent cook and shared many recipes with those that asked for them but would usually wing it with what she had on hand with a pinch of this and a pinch of that.  During breakfast, the pancakes and bacon would be piled high, but no one could touch them before devotions and prayers would be done. 

Her faith was strong and most of her friends she had met through bible study or in the Joy singing group that she was involved in.  She made beautiful things with her hands including pottery and painting ceramics.  Items that are treasured by her children and her siblings to this day.  

Barb had many jobs, including being a telephone operator when she was young.  She went back to school once her kids were raised and obtained her Master's Degree.  She became a nursing home administrator, a counselor, and a massage therapist.  She owned her own business that offered counseling, massage, and spa treatments.  She was always looking for ways to help people.  

She enjoyed her yearly camping trips to Winona, MN, with her husband, Dwight, and any of the kids and grandkids that could join them.  This tradition has carried over to many of her family members and is a special place to reflect on all of the great times that were had there around the campfire.  

Her home was always immaculate, and she surrounded herself with beautiful things.  This extended to her outdoor space.  She loved sitting in her sunroom that overlooked her flowers and bird feeders.  You always knew you were at 'grandma's house' by the essential oils that she used to relax and made you feel like you were home, even if you had not lived with her in years.  

Those that will miss her dearly are her husband, Dwight Kleven; her children, Doug (Anne) Gahn, Richard (Tammy) Gahn, Scott (Paula) Gahn, Todd (Tina) Bierbaum, and Babette (Dave) Engebretson;  her siblings, Donna (Hal) Wyborny, Dean (Barbara Ann) Peterson, Beckie (Hal) Minear, and Karen (Dan) Davis, her grandchildren and great grandchildren.