Lyle Klemetson

Lyle Ordell Klemetson was born on August 30, 1944, in Moorhead, MN and grew up in the tiny farm community of Flom, MN.  He was baptized, confirmed and attended Sunday School at the local Aspelund Lutheran Church.  He graduated from Twin Valley High School in May 1962 where he was the Co-Captain of the Tiger’s football team and set a pole-vaulting record of 10’ 6” in 1961.  He also participated in basketball, baseball, and track.

He was known as “Orrie” growing up and to his family having been given the exact same name as his father while he was away fighting in the Pacific during World War II.  Most people he grew up with did not even know his real name.  Lyle entered the U.S. Navy on November 4th, 1962, attending boot camp in San Diego, CA.  He received further training in Memphis, TN and was stationed at the Naval Air Station in Oceana, VA where he was an Air Rescue Crewman and Jet Helicopter Mechanic until being honourably discharged November 4th, 1966.  During his service, he made many lifelong friends particularly those he lived with at Surfside ’67.

He married his high school sweetheart, Donna Moen, on December 10th, 1966, at Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley, MN.  They initially lived in Bridgeport, CT where he was a jet helicopter mechanic for Sikorsky Aircraft.  Moving back to Minnesota in 1968 he enrolled at Moorhead State College spending summers working for his father at Flom Co-Op Oil.  He also majored in golf and developed a particularly low handicap, which he maintained regardless of how little he played thereafter.  Upon graduating in February 1972, he continued his lifelong agronomy career, having worked for his father since age 12, accepting a management role for Mahnomen Co-Op Oil.  He would stay in this industry for the rest of his life apart from the seven years he owned and operated an Our Own Hardware store in Mahnomen.

Dad remained close friends with many of those he grew up with including their annual deer hunting excursions until 2019.   While we were growing up he enjoyed fishing and playing cards, although he spent most of his time tirelessly and meticulously working on his lawn and house in Alexandria for the last 34 years.  Lyle was a proud father of three boys and five grandchildren.  Mitchell Klemetson (Justine) of Littleton, CO.  Michael Klemetson (Nicole ) of Dunedin, New Zealand and their three children: Christopher (15), David (13), and Emily (10).  Ryan Klemetson (Tonia) of Buffalo, MN and their two children: Elizabeth (11), and William (6).   He is also survived by his wife of 54 years, his sister Sharon and brother Douglas.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2020, 2:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service.  The service will be live streamed for those who are unable to attend.