Carol Edith Kleven

At the age of 94 years old, Carol Kleven went home to Heaven on the morning of January 31, 2025, with two of her granddaughters at her side. She had only one week with a wonderful hospice team. Carol was born March 12, 1930, to Art and Jenny Baker. Her siblings Gen, Corky, and little sister Marilyn, grew up in Southeast Minneapolis across from Tower Hill. Carol lived through the Depression and never had store-bought toys but did not feel deprived. Carol learned to make her own fun. She and her brother would take their red wagon, walk to the dump, and bring home many "treasures". One of their favorite finds was when they followed a bakery truck to the dump. The driver unloaded a large chunk of one of Carols favorite candies: cinnamon buttons! The candy was too large and too heavy, as it had started to melt and harden. Determined to get the candy home, the pair threw rocks at their treasure to break it apart and they were finally able to load two large pieces of the candy into their wagon. This began Carol's lifelong love of sweets. Carol's family moved to South Minneapolis where she attended Central High School. Not having a car, Carol walked, and she would start out an hour before classes began so she could meet up with friends along the way, sometimes running a bit late for class. Eventually, Carol made friends with a guy who had a car. This guy would take Carol and her friends to school. The guy, named Ed Kleven, later became Carol's husband in 1949. Carol and Ed raised their four children in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Their family grew to have many grandchildren. She loved being with children, teaching Sunday School and Awana, doing crafts with the kids, playing games, and giving out prizes. Her foundation throughout her life was her faith in Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior. Carol and Ed suffered through cancer, and Carol became a widow at the age of 66. While attending a grief support group, Carol met and fell in love with Jack Stetler, and they were married for 20 years. They enjoyed trips with friends, traveled to Europe, and wintered in Texas and Florida. Throughout their travels, Carol continued her passion of going to sales to "Search and Find" the just-right items to add to her vintage collectibles. In Brooklyn Center, Jack encouraged Carol to run for city council because she was so frustrated with the city's garage sale sign regulations; therefore, at the age of 80 years old, Carol went knocking on doors and gained the support of the community. Carol WON that election as City Council Member! Carol spent the next four years watching out for the citizens of Brooklyn Center. Jack passed away in 2017 and Carol again became a widow. In 2020, after spending 66 years in Brooklyn Center, Carol moved to Cherrywood Pointe in Forest Lake, MN. Carol adored her Lifespark Community Caregivers, especially her nurse Kari and Dr. Nick who allowed her to live out her life independently these past four and a half years and maintain her active lifestyle. She participated in most events at Cherrywood Pointe, where she developed a passion for painting. In her spare time, Carol enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and doing crafts, games, and puzzles. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Art and Jenny Baker, first husband Ed Kleven, second husband John "Jack" Stetler, sister Gen, and brother Corky. She is survived by her children, Ken (Diana) Kleven, Karen (Will) Engen, Karl (Jana) Kleven, and Kris (Tony) Mariette; 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; sister Marilyn; and her nieces and nephews. A service celebrating Carol's life will be held Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Washburn-McReavy Glen Haven Chapel, 5125 West Broadway, Crystal, MN. Visitation will be held at 10:00; service at 11:00 AM with reception following at the chapel.

Tributes

Carol Edith Kleven

March 12, 1930 - January 31, 2025

Tributes

Carol Edith Kleven

March 12, 1930 - January 31, 2025

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