Elizabeth “Jane” Nigon & Clarence Kleist

FAMILY LINE AND HISTORY

Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon
13th of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen
Born: Apr 23, 1897, Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Baptized: May 2, 1897, St. Felix Parish in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Died: Apr 21, 1930 (age 32), Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; died a week after the birth of her 2nd child, Elizabeth Margaret “Betty” Kleist
Buried: Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Occupation: Dietitian at St. Mary’s Hospital, office bookkeeper
Married: Oct 25, 1925, Clarence Elmer Kleist, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Two children: Donald Francis “Don” Kleist, Elizabeth Margaret “Betty” Kleist

Clarence Elmer Kleist
Son of Benjamin Franklin Kleist & Amelia/Emelia Ziebarth
Born: Mar 1, 1898, Lakota, Kossuth Co., Iowa
Died: Sep 16, 1961 (age 63), Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; heart condition
Buried: Sep 19, 1961, Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Occupation: Farmer, livestock buyer, stock exchange buyer, co-owner of contracting firm Kleist Bros.
Married: Oct 6, 1925, Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Two children: Donald Francis “Don” Kleist, Elizabeth Margaret “Betty” Kleist

1. Donald Francis “Don” Kleist
1st of 2 children of Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon & Clarence Elmer Kleist
Born: Jun 14, 1928, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Died: Jan 24, 2007 (age 78), Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; pancreatic cancer
Buried: Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Military: U.S. Marine Corps, served on a Navy ship in Communications during the Korean conflict
Occupation: Carpenter, home builder
Married: Dec 15, 1951, Ramona Lou “Mona” Johnson, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Seven children: Gary Lee Kleist, Jayne Marie Kleist, Karen Ann Kleist, Nancy Jean Kleist, Mary Kay Kleist, Richard Alan Kleist, Kevin John Kleist

Ramona Lou “Mona” Johnson
Daughter of Harry Leonard Johnson & Olive Luella Rognrud
Born: Oct 5, 1928, Anoka, Anoka Co., Minnesota
Died: Feb 10, 2024 (age 95), Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Buried: Feb 16, 2024, Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Occupation: Employed by General Mills
Married: Dec 15, 1951, Donald Francis “Don” Kleist, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Seven children: Gary Lee Kleist, Jayne Marie Kleist, Karen Ann Kleist, Nancy Jean Kleist, Mary Kay Kleist, Richard Alan Kleist, Kevin John Kleist

2. Elizabeth Margaret “Betty” Kleist
2nd of 2 children of Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon & Clarence Elmer Kleist
Born: Apr 14, 1930, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Died: Jul 3, 1962 (age 32), Kenosha, Kenosha Co., Wisconsin; 2 days after birth of 6th child
Buried: Saint George Cemetery in Kenosha, Kenosha Co., Wisconsin
Occupation: Dietitian
Married: Jul 24, 1954, Francis Eugene Oberpriller, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Seven children: Susan Jane Oberpriller, Michael John Oberpriller (died at birth), Kevin John Oberpriller (died at birth), infant boy Oberpriller (died at birth), infant girl Oberpriller (died at birth), Thomas Gerard Oberpriller (twin, adopted), Mary Margaret Oberpriller (twin, adopted)

Francis Eugene Oberpriller
Son of John Oberpriller & Ida Ann Winkles
Born Dec 12, 1931, Ellsworth, Pierce Co., Wisconsin
Died: Nov 14, 1996 (age 64), Woodruff, Oneida Co., Wisconsin
Buried: Nov 18, 1996, Saint George Cemetery in Kenosha, Kenosha Co., Wisconsin
Military: U.S. Army, Captain, served in Vietnam; Captain in U.S. Army Reserves
Occupation: Industrial Arts Teacher, Vice Principal/Principal in the Kenosha Unified School District
Married (1): Jul 24, 1954, Elizabeth Margaret “Betty” Kleist, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Seven children: Susan Jane Oberpriller, Michael John Oberpriller (died at birth), Kevin John Oberpriller (died at birth), infant boy Oberpriller (died at birth), infant girl Oberpriller (died at birth), Thomas Gerard Oberpriller (twin, adopted), Mary Margaret Oberpriller (twin, adopted)
Married (2): Jun 27, 1964, Mary Jo Pease, Kenosha, Kenosha Co., Wisconsin
Two children: John Michael Oberpriller, Dawn Oberpriller

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Timeline and Records

Spellings and information in the census and other records
are retained as in the original documents.
(italicized clarifications or corrections are in parentheses)

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Thirteen children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen:


1. Barbara Nigon
1873–1937
2. Lena Nigon
1874–1915
3. Katharina/Catherine Nigon
1876–1876
4. Maria “Mary” Nigon
1878–1966
5. Nicholas “Nick” Nigon
1880–1968
6. Michael “Mike” Nigon
1882–1971
7. John “Jack” Nigon
1884–1969
8. Katherine Nigon
1885–1940
9. Anna Clara “Annie” Nigon
1887–1948
10. Francis “Frank” Nigon
1890–1953
11. Margaret Mary Nigon
1892–1992
12. Teresa Anna Nigon
1894–1990
13. Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon
1897–1930

Nine children of Benjamin Franklin “Ben” Kleist & Amelia/Emelia Ziebarth:
1. Edith/Edythe Mina Kleist
1888–1983
2. Mayme Lena/Leona Kleist
1889–1977
3. Florence Bertha “Flossie” Kleist
1892–1983
4. Walter Otto Kleist
1893–1975
5. Clarence Elmer Kleist
1898–1961
6. Roland Kleist
1899–1899
7. Ruth Naomi Kleist
1900–1988
8. Pearl Opal Kleist
1902–2001
9. Robert Kleist
1904–1994

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Aug 7, 1872: Marriage of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen, parents of Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” (Nigon) Kleist, at St. Gangolf Parish at St. Paul in Trier, Fitten, Saarland, Germany

Thirteen children: Barbara Nigon, Magdalena “Lena” Nigon, Catherine Nigon, Maria “Mary” Nigon, Nicholas “Nick” Nigon, Michael Nigon, John “Jack” Nigon, Katherine Nigon, Anna Clara “Annie” Nigon, Francis “Frank” Nigon, Margaret Nigon, Teresa Anna Nigon, Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon
Note: Four of the Nigon sisters never married

Jul 6, 1887: Marriage of Benjamin Franklin “Ben” Kleist & Amelia/Emelia Ziebarth in Algona, Kossuth Co., Iowa
Nine children: Edith/Edythe Mina Kleist, Mayme Lena Kleist, Florence Bertha “Flossie” Kleist, Walter Otto Kleist, Clarence Elmer Kleist, Roland Kleist, Ruth Naomi Kleist, Pearl Opal Kleist, Robert Kleist

Jul 6, 1887: Iowa Marriage Index:
Name Benjamin Kleist
Gender Male
Race White, German (White)
Birth Place Wisconsin
Marriage Date 06 Jul 1887
Marriage Place Algona, Kossuth, Iowa
Father John Kleist
Mother Mena Kleist
Spouse Emelia Zebirth (Ziebarth)
FHL Film Number 1436206
Reference ID 2:3KTTR43 

Apr 23, 1897: Birth of Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon, 13th of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen, in Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

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Note: I was told (probably by my uncle Joe Clemens) that Elizabeth was given the nickname of “Jane” during the time she lived with the Matt & Barbara (Nigon) Clemens family, helping her oldest sister with their ten children, one of whom was also named Elizabeth. Her middle name of Susanna or Susan appears in the records below. She does not appear to have been referred to as Jane by her Nigon family, but is named as such in all the Clemens photos, and is named Elizabeth Jane Nigon in the records of Father Gerald Conway. The actual records are included in this post.

Apr 23, 1897: Minnesota Birth Index: Elizabeth Nigan (Elizabeth Nigon)
May 2, 1897: Baptismal record (handwritten) reflects both Elizabeth (Jane) Nigon and Elizabeth Susanna Nigon
Jun 2, 1900: U.S. Federal Census, Cascade, Olmsted Co., Minnesota: Lizzie Nigon Age 3, Daughter
Jun 1-Jun 7, 1905: Minnesota State Census, Cascade, Olmsted Co., Minnesota: #132: Nigon, Elizabeth Susanna 
Apr 27, 1910: U.S. Federal Census, Cascade, Olmsted Co., Minnesota: Elizabeth Nigon Age 13, Sister
Jan 14, 1920: U.S. Federal Census, Aurora, Kane Co., Illinois: Elizabeth Nigon Age 22, Sister-in-law
Oct 6, 1925: Minnesota Marriage Index: Elizabeth Nigon
Oct 6, 1925: Actual copy of Minnesota Certificate of Marriage: Elizabeth Susan Nigon (handwritten)
Apr 1930: Minnesota Cemetery Inscriptions record and headstone: Elizabeth Kleist

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Apr 23, 1897: Minnesota Birth Index:
Name Elizabeth Nigan (Elizabeth Nigon)
Gender Female
Race White
Birth Date 23 Apr 1897
Birth Place Pepin, Wabasha, Minnesota
Father Nicholas Nigan (Nicholas Nigon)
Mother Barbara Nigan (Barbara (Leinen) Nigon)
FHL Film Number 1320190

May 2, 1897: Baptism of Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon at St. Felix Parish in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota:

Mar 1, 1898: Birth of Clarence Elmer Kleist, 5th of 9 children of Benjamin Franklin “Ben” Kleist & Amelia/Emelia Ziebarth, in Lakota, Kossuth Co., Iowa

Jun 2, 1900: U.S. Federal Census, Cascade, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Name Nicholas Nigon
Age 50
Birth Date Nov 1849
Birthplace Germany
Home in 1900 Cascade, Olmsted, Minnesota
Race White
Gender Male
Immigration Year 1881
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Spouse’s Name Barbara Nigon
Marriage Year 1873
Years Married 27
Father’s Birthplace Germany
Mother’s Birthplace Germany
Years in US 19
Naturalization Naturalized
Occupation Farmer
Months Not Employed 0
Can Read Yes
Can Write Yes
Can Speak English Yes
House Owned or Rented Own
Home Free or Mortgaged F
Farm or House F
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Nicholas Nigon Age 50, Head, born Nov 1849, married 27 years, born Germany, father born Germany, mother born Germany, farmer immigrated 1881, 19 years in U.S.
Barbara Nigon Age 46, Wife, born Aug 1833, married 27 years, 12 children born, 12 children living, born Germany, father born Germany, mother born Germany, immigrated 1881, 19 years in U.S. (Barbara (Leinen) Nigon)
Lena Nigon Age 25, Daughter, born Sep 1874, dressmaker, born Germany, father born Germany, mother born Germany, immigrated 1881, 19 years in U.S. (Magdalena “Lena” Nigon)
Mary Nigon Age 22, Daughter, born Mar 1878, dressmaker, born Germany, father born Germany, mother born Germany, immigrated 1881, 19 years in U.S. (Maria “Mary” Nigon)
Nicholas Nigon Age 20, Son, born Mar 1880, farm laborer, born Germany, father born Germany, mother born Germany, immigrated 1881, 19 years in U.S. (Nicholas “Nick” Nigon, Jr.)
Mickle Nigon Age 18, Son, born Apr 1882, farm laborer, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Michael “Mike” Nigon)
John Nigon Age 16, Son, born Mar, 1884, at school, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (John “Jack” Nigon)
Catharine Nigon Age 14, Daughter, born Nov 1885, at school, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Katherine Nigon)
Anna Nigon Age 12, Daughter, born Dec 1887, at school, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Anna Clara “Annie” Nigon)
Frank Nigon Age 10, Son, born Jan 1890, at school, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Francis “Frank” Nigon)
Mary Nigon Age 8, Daughter, born Mar 1892, at school, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Margaret Mary Nigon)
Augusta Nigon Age 6, Son, born May 1894, at school, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Daughter: Teresa Anna Nigon)
Lizzie Nigon Age 3, Daughter, born Apr 1897, at school, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon)
Note: The Nigons are living next door to their daughter Barbara (Nigon) Clemens and her husband Matt Clemens

abt 1902: Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen family (daughter Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon is the youngest, seated in her mother’s lap)

Jun 1-Jun 7, 1905: Minnesota State Census, Cascade, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:

#132: Nigon, Elizabeth Susanna (Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon)

Jan 14, 1906: Death of Barbara (Leinen) Nigon (age 51), the daughter of Jacob James Leinen & Mari Fritz, and the wife of Nicholas Nigon, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Jan 1906: Burial of Barbara (Leinen) Nigon at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Jan 28, 1907: Death of Nicholas/Nikolas Nigon (age 57), son of Johann Nigon & Magdelena Sellen and the husband of Barbara (Leinen ) Nigon, in Landkreis Merzig-Wadern, Saarland (now Germany)

1907: Burial of Nicholas/Nikolas in Hilbringen, Saarland, Germany. Nikolas died intestate on Jan 28, 1907 (headstone reflects death date of Jan 27, 1907), in Hilbringen, Germany. His home was in Cascade, Minnesota, but he’d returned to Germany in search of a new wife and died while there.

A headstone (cenotaph) was erected in memory at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; the headstone reflects Nicholas’ birth as Nov 8, 1849; however, his German birth and marriage records list his birth date as Nov 30, 1849.

Apr 27, 1910: U.S. Federal Census, Cascade, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Name Nicholas Nigon (Nicholas “Nick” Nigon, Jr.)
Age in 1910 30
Birth Date 1880
Birthplace Germany
Home in 1910 Cascade, Olmsted, Minnesota
Race White
Gender Male
Immigration Year 1881
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Single
Father’s Birthplace Germany
Mother’s Birthplace Germany
Native Tongue English
Occupation Farmer
Industry General Farm
Employer, Employee or Other Employer
Home Owned or Rented Own
Home Free or Mortgaged Free
Farm or House Farm
Naturalization Status Naturalized
Able to read Yes
Able to Write Yes
Enumerated Year 1910
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Nicholas Nigon Age 30, Head, Single, born Germany, father born Germany, mother born Germany, immigrated 1881, farmer on general farm
Lena Nigon Age 35, Sister, Single, born Germany, father born Germany, mother born Germany, immigrated 1881, House Keeper on farm (Magdalena “Lena” Nigon)
John Nigon Age 26, Brother, Single, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany, farmer on general farm
Anna Nigon Age 22, Sister, Single, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany
Frank Nigon Age 20, Brother, Single, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany, working on home farm
Margrett Nigon Age 17, Sister, Single, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany
Theresa Nigon Age 15, Sister, Single, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany
Elizabeth Nigon Age 13, Sister, Single, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon)
Note: Their parents died in 1906 and 1907, and eight of their children remained together, living on and running the family farm 

abt 1915: The three oldest Clemens sisters with their cousin, Elizabeth “Jane” Nigon:
standing: Mary Clemens, Amelia Clemens
seated: Elizabeth Clemens, Elizabeth “Jane” Nigon (cousin)

1915: Iowa State Census, Buffalo, Kossuth Co., Iowa:
Name Clarence Kleist
Residence Age 17
Birth Year abt 1898
Birth Place Iowa
Residence Date 1915
Residence Place Buffalo, Kossuth, Iowa
3 mos in public school in 1914
Race White
Gender Male
Marital Status Single
Father Birth Place Wisconsin
Mother Birth Place Germany
Household Members (Name) Age
Clarence Kliest Age 17

Sep 12, 1918: WWI Draft Registration Card:
Name Clarence Elmer Kleist
Race White
Age 20
Birth Date 1 Mar 1898
Residence Date 1917-1918
Street Address Stewartville 2
Residence Place Olmsted County, Minnesota
Occupation Farming
Employer’s Name B.F. Kleist, father
Physical Build Medium
Height Medium
Hair Color Dark
Eye Color Brown
Relative B.F. Kleist

Jan 14, 1920: U.S. Federal Census, Aurora, Kane Co., Illinois:
Name Elizabeth Nigon
Age 22
Birth Year abt 1898
Birthplace Minnesota
Home in 1920 Aurora Ward 1, Kane, Illinois
Street Oak Ave
Residence Date 1920
Race White
Gender Female
Relation to Head of House Sister-in-law
Marital Status Single
Father’s Birthplace Germany
Mother’s Birthplace Germany
Able to Speak English Yes
Occupation Book keeper
Industry Office
Employment Field Wage or Salary
Able to read Yes
Able to Write Yes
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Michael Reuland Age 50, Head
Mary Reuland Age 41, Wife (Maria “Mary” (Nigon) Reuland)
Ralph Reuland Age 20, Son
Helen Reuland Age 10, Daughter
Catherine Reuland Age 9, Daughter
Dorothy Reuland Age 4, Daughter
Marion Reuland Age 2, Daughter
Catherine Nigon Age 34, Sister-in-law (sister of Maria “Mary” (Nigon) Reuland)
Margaret Nigon Age 27, Sister-in-law (sister of Maria “Mary” (Nigon) Reuland)
Elizabeth Nigon Age 22, Sister-in-law (Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon, sister of Maria “Mary” (Nigon) Reuland) 

Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon:

Feb 27/28, 1920: US. Federal Census, Marion, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Name Clerance Kleist (Clarence Kleist)
Age 21
Birth Year abt 1899
Birthplace Iowa
Home in 1920 Marion, Olmsted, Minnesota
Residence Date 1920
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Son
Marital Status Single
Father’s Name Ben F Kleist
Father’s Birthplace Wisconsin
Mother’s Name Alemia Kleist (Amelia Kleist)
Mother’s Birthplace Wisconsin
Able to Speak English Yes
Occupation Farm Laborer
Industry Home Farm
Employment Field Wage or Salary
Able to read Yes
Able to Write Yes
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Ben F Kleist Age 54, Head, married, born Wisconsin, father born Germany, mother born Germany; dairy farmer
Alemia Kleist Age 52, Wife, married, born Wisconsin, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Amelia Kleist)
Walter O Kleist Age 26, Son, single, born Iowa, father born Wisconsin, mother born Wisconsin, farm laborer on home farm
Clerance Kleist Age 21, Son, single, born Iowa, father born Wisconsin, mother born Wisconsin, farm laborer on home farm
Pearl O Kleist Age 16, Daughter, single, born Minnesota, father born Wisconsin, mother born Wisconsin
Robert Kleist Age 15, Son, single, born Iowa, father born Wisconsin, mother born Wisconsin
George W Hanson Age 33, Son-in-law, married, born Iowa, father born Denmark, mother born Denmark
Florance E Hanson Age 28, Daughter, married, born Iowa, father born Wisconsin, mother born Wisconsin
Harland H Hanson Age 6, Grandson, single, born South Dakota, father born Iowa, mother born Iowa

Oct 6, 1925: Marriage of Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon & Clarence Elmer Kleist, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Two children: Donald Francis Kleist, Elizabeth Margaret “Betty” Kleist

Oct 6, 1925: Minnesota Marriage Index:
Name Elizabeth Nigon
Marriage Date 6 Oct 1925
Marriage Place Olmsted, Minnesota
Spouse Clarence E Kleist
Certificate Number V250 (B06205aa.a3d)
URL https://moms.mn.gov/

Oct 6, 1925: Margaret Nigon (sister),Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon & Clarence Elmer Kleist, Aloysius Clemens (nephew, son of Barbara (Nigon) Clemens):

Oct 6, 1925: Minnesota Certificate of Marriage:

Note: Elizabeth’s Baptismal Certificate reflects her middle name as Susanna, as does the 1905 Minnesota State Census. Her marriage certificate reflects her middle name as Susan.

Jun 14, 1928: Birth of Donald Francis Kleist, 1st of 2 children of Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon & Clarence Elmer Kleist, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Jun 14, 1928: Minnesota Birth Index:
Name Donald Francis Kleist
Birth Date 14 Jun 1928
Birth Place Olmsted, Minnesota
Mother Maiden Name Nigan (Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon)
Certificate Number 1928-20300
URL https://www.mnhs.org/search/people

Apr 1930: U.S. Federal Census, Marion, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Name Clarence E Kleist
Birth Year abt 1898
Gender Male
Race White
Age in 1930 32
Birthplace Iowa
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Head
Home in 1930 Marion, Olmsted, Minnesota
Home Owned or Rented Owned
Radio Set Yes
Lives on Farm Yes
Age at First Marriage 28
Able to Read and Write Yes
Father’s Birthplace Iowa
Mother’s Birthplace Wisconsin
Able to Speak English Yes
Occupation Farmer
Industry General farming
Class of Worker Working on own account
Employment Yes
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Clarence E Kleist Age 32, Head, 1st Marriage at age 28, born Iowa, father born Iowa, mother born Wisconsin, farmer on general farm
Elizabeth Kleist Age 32, Wife, 1st Marriage at age 28, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born U.S.
Donald F Kleist Age 1 and 10/12 months, Son, born Minnesota, father born Iowa, mother born Minnesota

Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon & Clarence Elmer Kleist:

Apr 14, 1930: Birth of Elizabeth Margaret “Betty” Kleist, 2nd of 2 children of Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon & Clarence Elmer Kleist, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Siblings Donald and Betty Kleist:

Apr 14, 1930: Minnesota Birth Index:
Name Elizabeth Kleist
Birth Date 14 Apr 1930
Birth Place Olmsted, Minnesota
Mother Maiden Name Nigon
Certificate Number 1930-19250
URL https://www.mnhs.org/search/people

Apr 21, 1930: Death of Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” (Nigon) Kleist (age 32), 13th of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen and the wife of Clarence Elmer Kleist, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota. Elizabeth died a week after the birth of her second child, Elizabeth Margaret “Betty” Kleist

Apr 1930: Burial of Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” (Nigon) Kleist at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; Section CC 38 19

Apr 1930: Minnesota Cemetery Inscriptions:
Township Cascade
County Olmsted
Name Elizabeth Kleist
Birth Date 23/Apr/1897
Death Date 21/Apr/1930
Cemetery Calvary Rochester
Comments SP. CLARENCE (spouse Clarence)
Section CC 38 19

Original Calvary Cemetery Record Book (Mrs. Clarence Kleist [Elizabeth (Nigon) Kleist] (age 32):

Jun 10, 1933: Death of Amelia (Ziebarth) Kleist (age 65/66), mother of Clarence Elmer Kleist, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Name Mrs Ben F Kleist
[Amelia Kleist]
Record Type Death
Death Date 10 Jun 1933
Death Place Olmsted, Minnesota
Death Registration Date 1933
Certificate Number 009969
Record Number 646010

Jun 1933: Burial of Amelia/Emelia (Ziebarth) Kleist at Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Name Emelia Kleist
Maiden Name Ziebarth
Gender Female
Birth Date 1867
Birth Place Iowa County, Wisconsin
Death Date 10 Jun 1933
Death Place Rochester, Olmsted County, Minnesota
Cemetery Oakwood Cemetery
Burial or Cremation Place Rochester, Olmsted County, Minnesota
Father Johann Eduard Adolph Ziebarth
Mother Caroline Wilhelmina Ziebarth
Spouse Benjamin F Kleist
Children: Clarence Elmer Kleist, Robert Kleist, Roland Kleist, Mayme L. Lamoreux, Pearl O. Moore, Ruth Naomi Hanson, Walter O. Kleist

1934: Patrick Conway II with 4 sons and Kleist and Hauser cousins:
l to r: Patrick Conway, II (father), John Conway, Daniel Conway, Gerald Conway, Patrick Conway, III, Betty Kleist, Donald Kleist, young boy up front is Richard Hauser

1934: Conway and Kleist cousins: Donald Kleist, Patrick Conway III, Daniel Conway, Betty Kleist, Gerald Conway:

Nov 1937: Clemens, Conway, Kleist, and Hauser cousins:

abt 1939: cousins: Don Kleist, brothers Joe, Len, and Jim Walsh, Betty Kleist:

Note: Joe (twin), Len, and Jim (twin) Walsh are the sons of Francis Walsh & Anna Frances Clemens

Mar 1, 1939: Death of Benjamin Franklin Kleist (age 74), father of Clarence Elmer Kleist, in Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Mar 1, 1939: Minnesota Death Index:
Name Benjamin Frank Kleist
Record Type Death
Death Date 1 Mar 1939
Death Place Olmsted, Minnesota
Death Registration Date 1939
Certificate Number 010251
Record Number 805130

Mar 1939: Burial of Benjamin Franklin Kleist at Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Burial record:
Name Benjamin F Kleist
Gender Male
Birth Date 5 Feb 1865
Death Date 1 Mar 1939
Death Place Olmsted County, Minnesota
Cemetery Oakwood Cemetery
Burial or Cremation Place Rochester, Olmsted County, Minnesota
Father Johannas Kleist
Mother Wilhelmine Kleist
Spouse Emelia Kleist (Amelia Kleist)
Children: Clarence Elmer Kleist, Robert Kleist, Roland Kleist, Mayme L. Lamoreux, Pearl O. Moore, Ruth Naomi Hanson, Walter O. Kleist

Apr 15/16, 1940: U.S. Federal Census, Cascade, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Name Clarence Kleist
Age 40
Estimated Birth Year abt 1900
Gender Male
Race White
Birthplace Iowa
Marital Status Widowed
Relation to Head of House Head
Home in 1940 Cascade, Olmsted, Minnesota
Farm Yes
Inferred Residence in 1935 Olmsted, Minnesota
Residence in 1935 Olmsted, Minnesota
Resident on farm in 1935 Yes
Occupation Live Stock Buyer
House Owned or Rented Owned
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Clarence Kleist Age 40, Head, widowed, born Iowa, live stock buyer
Donald Kleist Age 11, Son, single, born Minnesota
Elizabeth Kleist Age 10, Daughter, single, born Minnesota
Margaret Nigon Age 47, Sister-in-law, single, born Minnesota, bookkeeper (sister of Elizabeth “Jane” (Nigon) Kleist)

Margaret Nigon, sister of Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” (Nigon) Kleist:

1940/41: Elizabeth “Betty” Kleist and brother, Donald “Don” Kleist, the two children of Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon & Clarence Elmer Kleist:

Summer of 1941: Clemens kin, Minnesota:


1. Frank Peter Wallerich 1890–1953
2. Margaret Nigon (cousin) 1892–1992
(was caring for her sister’s children, Don & Betty Kleist)
3. Annie Schabo? 1869–1962
4. Joseph William “Joe” Clemens 1914–2010
5. William Francis “Bill” Hauser 1913–1996
6. Amelia Rose (Clemens) Conway 1902–1972
7. Betty Rose 1906–1994
(lifelong friend of Elizabeth Barbara Clemens)
8. Joseph Matthew “Joe” Wallerich 1926–2018
(son of Mary & Frank Wallerich)
9. Robert Michael “Bob” Wallerich 1930–2022
(son of Mary & Frank Wallerich)
10. Mary Ann (Clemens) Wallerich 1899–1994
(married to Frank Peter Wallerich)
11. Sister Ann Clemens 1908–2003
12. Donald F. Kleist 1928–2007
(cousin, son of Elizabeth “Jane” Nigon & Clarence Kleist)
13. Mathew “Matt” Clemens 1874–1947
(father of the clan)
14. Agnes Catherine (Clemens) Hauser 1909–2005
(married to William Francis “Bill” Hauser)
15. Elizabeth Barbara Clemens 1900–1996
16. Norbert John Wallerich 1930–living
(son of Mary & Frank Wallerich)
17. Barbara Ann Hauser 1939–1986
(daughter of Agnes & Bill Hauser)
18. Elizabeth Margaret “Betty” Kleist 1930–1962
(cousin, daughter of Elizabeth “Jane” Nigon & Clarence Kleist)
19. Francis Carl Wallerich 1934–2017
(son of Mary & Frank Wallerich)
20. Richard Francis “Dick” Hauser 1932–2024
(son of Agnes & Bill Hauser)

Feb 15, 1942: WWII U.S. Draft Card, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Name Clarence Elmer Kleist
Gender Male
Race White
Age 43
Relationship to Draftee Self (Head)
Birth Date 1 Mar 1898
Birth Place Kossuth, Iowa
Residence Place Rochester, Olmsted, Minnesota
Registration Date 15 Feb 1942
Registration Place Rochester, Olmsted, Minnesota
Employer Self
Height 5 11
Weight 185
Complexion Light
Hair Color Brown
Eye Color Blue
Next of Kin Margaret Nigon (sister-in-law; sister of Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon)

Jun 14, 1946: WWII U.S. Draft Card, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Name Donald Francis Kleist
Gender Male
Race White
Age 18
Relationship to Draftee Self (Head)
Birth Date 14 Jun 1928
Birth Place Rochester, Minnesota
Residence Place Rochester, Olmsted, Minnesota
Registration Date 14 Jun 1946
Registration Place Rochester, Olmsted, Minnesota
Employer Clarence Kleist
Height 6 1
Weight 180
Complexion Light
Hair Color Brown
Eye Color Blue
Next of Kin Clarence Kleist

1950: U.S. Federal Census, Cascade, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Name Clarence E Kleist
Age 52
Birth Date abt 1898
Gender Male
Race White
Birth Place Iowa
Marital Status Widowed
Relation to Head of House Head
Residence Date 1950
Home in 1950 Cascade, Olmsted, Minnesota
Farm No
Acres Yes
Occupation Stock buyer
Industry Stock exchange
Occupation Category Wk
Hours Worked 50
Worker Class Own Business
Institution Name Jas Hubbard
Institution Type Cabin Court
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Clarence E Kleist Age 52, Head, widowed, born Iowa, stock buyer at stock exchange
Margaret Nigon Age 57, Sister-in-law, never married, born Minnesota (sister of Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon)

Dec 15, 1951: Marriage of Ramona Lou “Mona” Johnson & Donald Francis Kleist, 1st of 2 children of Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon & Clarence Elmer Kleist, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Seven children: Gary Lee Kleist, Jayne Marie Kleist, Karen Ann Kleist, Nancy Jean Kleist, Mary Kay Kleist, Richard Alan Kleist, Kevin John Kleist

Dec 15, 1951: Minnesota Marriage Index:
Name Donald Francis Kleist
Marriage Date 15 Dec 1951
Marriage Place Hennepin, Minnesota
Spouse Ramona Lou Johnson
Certificate Number 6000238
URL https://moms.mn.gov/

Jul 24, 1954: Marriage of Francis Eugene Oberpriller & Elizabeth Margaret “Betty” Kleist,
2nd of 2 children of Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon & Clarence Elmer Kleist at St. John’s The Evangelist Catholic Church in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Six children: Susan Oberpriller, Michael Oberpriller (Sep 28, 1956; died at or shortly after birth), Kevin Oberpriller (Dec 19, 1958, died at or shortly after birth), Thomas Gerard Oberpriller, Mary Margaret Oberpriller, infant daughter Oberpriller (Jul 1, 1962; died at or shortly after birth)

Jul 24, 1954: Marriage License Application:
County Certificate Number Marriage Date Applicant 1 Applicant 2
OLMSTED 140017 (B04124AA.ABF) 07/24/1954 OBERPRILLAR, FRANCIS/KLEIST, ELIZABETH MARGARET

Jul 24, 1954: U.S. Newspaper Marriage Index:
Name Francis Oberprlller
Gender Male
Residence Date Abt 1954
Residence Place AL Len Tark, Mich
Occupation Instructor
Employer High School St. Joseph’s Catholic Grade School
Marriage Date 24 Jul 1954
Marriage Place Rochester, Wisconsin (Minnesota)
Father John Oberpriller
Mother Oberpriller
Spouse Betty Kleist
Siblings Robert J Oberpriller; Gerald Oberpriller; Lawrence J. Oberpriller

Name Miss Betty Kleist
Gender Female
Residence Date Abt 1954
Residence Place AL Len Tark, Mich
Occupation Dietitian
Employer St. Mary S Hospital
School Lourdes High School
Marriage Date 24 Jul 1954
Marriage Place Rochester, Wisconsin (Minnesota)
Parents Clarence Kleist
Spouse Francis Oberprlller
Siblings Donald Kleist

Jul 26, 1954: Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:

Sep 28, 1956: Birth and death of Michael Oberpriller, the 2nd of 6 children of Elizabeth Margaret “Betty” Oberpriller & Clarence Elmer Kleist, in Kenosha Co., Wisconsin; died at or shortly after birth

Sep 1956: Burial of Michael Oberpriller at Saint George Cemetery in Kenosha, Kenosha Co., Wisconsin

Dec 19, 1958: Birth and death of Kevin Oberpriller, the 3rd of 6 children of Elizabeth Margaret “Betty” Oberpriller & Clarence Elmer Kleist, in Kenosha Co., Wisconsin; died at or shortly after birth

Dec 19, 1958: Wisconsin Death Record:
Name: Oberpriller
Death Date: 19 Dec 1958
Death County: Kenosha, Wisconsin

Dec 1958: Burial of Kevin Oberpriller at Saint George Cemetery in Kenosha, Kenosha Co., Wisconsin

Sep 16, 1961: Death of Clarence Elmer Kleist (age 63), son of Benjamin Franklin “Ben” Kleist & Amelia/Emelia Ziebarth, husband of Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon, and the father of Donald Francis “Don” Kleist and Elizabeth Margaret “Betty” Kleist, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; heart condition

Sep 16, 1961: Rochester Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota (pg 3):

Sep 19, 1961: Burial of Clarence Elmer Kleist at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; Section CC 38 19

Sep 1961: Minnesota Cemetery Inscription Index:
Township Cascade
County Olmsted
Name Clarence Kleist
Birth Date 01/Mar/1898
Death Date 16/Sep/1961
Cemetery Calvary Rochester
Comments SP. ELIZABETH (Spouse: Elizabeth)
Section CC 38 19

Original Calvary Cemetery Record Book (Clarence Kleist and wife, the parents of Clarence Elmer Kleist)

Jul 1, 1962: Birth and death of infant daughter Oberpriller, the 6th of 6 children of Elizabeth Margaret “Betty” Oberpriller & Clarence Elmer Kleist; died at or shortly after birth

Jul 1962: Burial of infant daughter Oberpriller at Saint George Cemetery in Kenosha, Kenosha Co., Wisconsin

Jul 3, 1962: Death of Elizabeth Margaret “Betty” (Kleist) Oberpriller (age 32), 2nd of 2 children of Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon & Clarence Elmer Kleist, in Kenosha, Kenosha Co., Wisconsin; 2 days after birth and death of her 6th child.

Jul 3, 1962: Wisconsin Death Index:
Name Elizabeth Oberpriller
Age 32
Sex F (Female)
Birth Date abt 1930
Death Date 3 Jul 1962
Location Kenosha
Certificate 020325

Jul 3, 1962: Kenosha News, Kenosha, Kenosha Co., Wisconsin (pg 8):

Prayer card:

Jul 1962: Burial of Elizabeth Margaret “Betty” (Kleist) Oberpriller at Saint George Cemetery in Kenosha, Kenosha Co., Wisconsin

May 27, 1992: Death of Margaret Mary Nigon (age 100), 11th of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; natural causes

May 28, 1992: Rochester Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota (pg 14):

Jun 1, 1992: Burial of Margaret Mary Nigon at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Nov 14, 1996: Death of Francis Eugene Oberpriller (age 64), son of John Oberpriller & Ida Ann Winkles and husband of (m1) Elizabeth Margaret “Betty” Kleist and (m2) Mary Jo Pease, in Woodruff, Oneida Co., Wisconsin

Nov 14, 1996: U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs Death File:
Name Francis E Oberpriller
Gender Male
Birth Date 12 Dec 1931
Death Date 14 Nov 1996
Enlistment Branch ARMY
Enlistment Date 28 Jul 1964
Discharge Date 1 Jan 1992

Nov 14, 1996: U.S. Social Security Claims Index:
Name Francis Eugene Oberpriller
Gender Male
Race White
Birth Date 12 Dec 1931
Birth Place Ellsworth, Pi, (Pierce Co.), Wisconsin 
Death Date 14 Nov 1996
Father John Oberpriller
Mother Ida A Winkels
Notes Aug 1945: Name Listed As Francis Eugene Oberpriller; 12 Nov 1996: Name Listed As Francis E Oberpriller

Nov 14, 1996: Kenosha News, Kenosha, Kenosha Co., Wisconsin (pg 11):

Nov 17, 1996: The Dunn News, Menomonie, Dunn Co., Wisconsin (pg 2):

Nov 18, 1996: Burial of Francis Eugene Oberpriller at Saint George Cemetery in Kenosha, Kenosha Co., Wisconsin

Jan 24, 2007: Death of Donald Francis Kleist (age 78), 1st of 2 children of Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon & Clarence Elmer Kleist, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; pancreatic cancer

Jan 24, 2007: Minnesota Death Index:
Name Donald Francis Kleist
Gender Male
Marital Status Married
Death Age 78
Record Type Cremation
Birth Date 14 Jun 1928
Birth Place Rochester, Minnesota
Inferred Residence Date Abt 2007
Residence Place Rochester, Olmsted, Minnesota
Occupation Owner
Education 4 Years College
Industry or Location Don Kleist Home Builder
Death Date 24 Jan 2007
Death Place Rochester, Olmsted, Minnesota
Death Registration Date 2007
Cemetery Calvary Cemetery
Burial Place Rochester, Minnesota
Cremation Date 24 Jan 2007
Mother’s Maiden Name Nigon
Informant Mona Kleist
Informant Relation Spouse
Father Clarence E Kleist
Mother Elizabeth Nigon
Spouse Mona Kleist
Certificate Number 2007-Mn-002433

Jan 25, 2007: Rochester newspaper obituary, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
ROCHESTER — The memorial Mass for Donald F. Kleist will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Church of the Resurrection in Rochester, with the Rev. Thomas A. Loomis officiating. His body has been cremated. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. Kleist, 78, a lifelong Rochester resident, died Wednesday (Jan. 24, 2007) at his home, following a brief illness with pancreatic cancer.

Born June 14, 1928, in Rochester, he graduated from Lourdes High School in 1946 and attended Rochester Community College. He graduated from the College of St. Thomas in 1951, and served in the Marine Corps for two years during the Korean conflict. Following his service, he worked with his father and uncles at Kleist Brothers Home Builders. After his father died, he owned Don Kleist Home Builders until retiring. On Dec. 15, 1951, he married Ramona “Mona” Johnson at St. John’s Catholic Church in Rochester. He was a fan of Lourdes High School athletics; enjoyed working in his workshop and helping others with wood projects, traveling, and spending time with family and friends; was a past president of the Rochester Area Home Builders; and was a charter member of Resurrection Catholic Church.

Survivors include his wife; three sons, Gary (Kathryn) and Kevin, both of Rochester, and Rick (Julie) of Albertville, Minn.; four daughters, Jayne (Karl) Kleist Oles, Nancy (Mike) Hass and Mary (Mark) Wernstrom, all of Rochester, and Karen (Larry) Joosten of Apple Valley, Minn.; and 10 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister.

Macken Funeral Home of Rochester is in charge of arrangements. The family prefers memorials to Church of the Resurrection or Lourdes High School

Jan 2007: Burial of Donald Francis “Don” Kleist at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; Section CC 38 19

Feb 10, 2024: Death of Ramona Lou “Mona” (Johnson) Kleist (age 95), wife of Donald Francis Kleist, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Feb 2024: Obituary:
Ramona “Mona” Lou Johnson was born to this earthly world on October 5, 1928. She was born to eternal life at the age of 95 on February 10, 2024. Mona was born in Anoka, Minnesota to Harry and Olive (Rognrud) Johnson.
She graduated from Edison High School in 1946 and worked at General Mills for five years.

On December 15, 1951, Mona married the love of her life, Donald F. Kleist, in Rochester, Minnesota.
They lived in San Diego, CA and Norfolk, VA during Don’s service in the Marine Corps. Eventually, they returned to Rochester where they raised their seven children.

Mona’s legacy includes being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She was a charter and longtime member of Resurrection Catholic Church, and a vital partner in Don’s homebuilding business. Don and Mona enjoyed traveling, especially to Branson, MO. She loved reading, baking, and all handcrafting, including quilting, sewing, knitting, embroidery, and crafts. Mona was active and vibrant her whole life. Mona also volunteered many hours at church and Mayo Clinic.

The last two years she especially enjoyed the friendships and activities at Shorewood Senior Living Campus and 125 Live. She was preceded in death by husband, Donald (2007), parents, Harry and Olive, and brother, Stewart.

Special gratitude to Season’s Hospice for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers or memorials, Mona requested acts of kindness or donations to the charity of your choice.

The Memorial Mass for Mona will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 11:00AM at Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church in Rochester. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 15, 2024 from 4:00PM until 7:00PM in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the Mass at church. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery Rochester.

Feb 16, 2024: Burial of Ramona Lou “Mona” (Johnson) Kleist at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; Section CC 38 19

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2025: Researched and compiled by siblings Catherine (Clemens) Sevenau and Gordon Clemens. Thank you to Nancy (Kleist) Hass for contributing her family photos and Dana (Walker) Conway for the obituaries.

Catherine (Clemens) Sevenau and Gordon Clemens

Direct line of Catherine and Gordon:
Peter Clemens & Maria Mary Reding (gg-grandparents)
Nicholas/Nikolas Nigon & Barbara Leinen (gg-grandparents)
Mathias “Mathew” Clemens & Anna Mary Reiland (great-grandparents)
Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens & Barbara Nigon (grandparents)
Carl John Clemens & Noreen Ellen Chatfield (parents)

Note: The cemetery headstone photos from Find A Grave contained herein are the property of those who photographed them.