Ramona “Mona” Kleist
Friday, October 5, 1928
Date of Death:
Saturday, February 10, 2024
Age:
95 years old
Visitation
Date: Thursday February 15, 2024
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Friday February 16, 2024
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church [ view map ]
Memorial Mass
Date: Friday February 16, 2024
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Calvary Cemetery [ view map ]
Friday, October 5, 1928
Date of Death:
Saturday, February 10, 2024
Age:
95 years old
Friday, October 5, 1928
Date of Death:
Saturday, February 10, 2024
Age:
95 years old
Ramona “Mona” Kleist
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, MN to Harry and Olive (Rognrud) Johnson. Following her graduation from Edison High School in 1946, she worked at General Mills for five years.
On December 15, 1951, Mona married the love of her life, Donald F. Kleist, in Rochester, MN. 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 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.
Mona is survived by her children, Gary (Kathryn) Kleist; Jayne Kleist; Karen Kleist; Nancy (Mike) Hass; Mary (Mark) Wernstrom; Rick (Julie) Kleist; Kevin Kleist; grandchildren, Ben, Jason, Carly, Matthew, Megan, Kelsey, Emily, Sara, Stephanie, Kyle and nine great-grandchildren. 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 and to her primary physician, Dr. Andrew Greenlund.
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.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Ramona “Mona” Kleist has received the following condolences.
Dear Kevin, Gary, and the rest of the Kleist family,
We are so sorry for your loss of Mona. She was a wonderful lady and we know she will be greatly missed. We are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. God bless Mona and God bless all of your family.
Mona is a dear long time friend who I admire and respect. At Resurrection, 125Live or the grocery store she always had time to visit. Mona is a joyful person and fun to hang around with. I will miss her and not forget the impact she has left on me. My deepest sympathy to all who mourn the passing of this awesome lady. Mona, enjoy your eternal reward! The heavens have a new bright star since you arrived.
Kevin & Kleist Family~
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. I always enjoyed hearing about what Mo was up to and aspire to her level of activity in my later years. Thinking of you all in this difficult time.
We are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mom! I know you all surrounded her with love! Sending prayers and love to you as you grieve.
I am so sorry for your loss. Mary Nigon Duryea was my mother. Her aunt, Margaret Nigon, spoke often of Mona, Don and the family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I was a church friend of Mona's for 24 years. I observed her and her "retired" friends and said, I want to be like Mona when I retire.
She volunteered at church, whether it was organizing the books for our rummage sale,helping with office projects, or assisting at mass. She had a regular group of lifetime friends who played cards together. She spent time with family, and was an excellent listener. I didn't know what Silver Sneakers was until she told me she went to the Y to exercise. She was a talented quilter and craft person. When I moved to my new townhouse, she made a beautiful quilt centerpiece for my table. I saw her many times at 125 Live, our Rochester Senior Center. She always had time to stop and visit. During Covid, she invited me to have "coffee" on her driveway so we could safely visit. She remembered I had a blue kitchen and gave me 3 dish cloths. Her request instead of flowers, says so much. Pass on an act of kindness. Rest in Peace, dear Mona, and may you be rejoicing with Jesus, Don and your loved ones.
We are thinking of you and offering our sincere condolences, Kleist family. May your memories bring you comfort and joy.
February 14, 2024
Dear Family of Mona Kleist,
Yvonne & I send our thoughts, love, & most sincere sympathy over the loss of your Mother, Grandma, & Great Grandma. The death of one’s Mother, the one who brought you into this world, the one who taught you love, and so many other of life’s lessons is very painful. It is a sting that reaches deep into your heart that makes it hard to know what to say. I have shared the following story many times, & folks seem to appreciate it, so will share it with all of you too.
Quite some time ago, I was in Havant, England on a business trip and was looking for a place to go to Mass on Saturday evening or Sunday morning. I found a huge Catholic Church in the neighboring town of Chichester. & the marquis indicated Mass at 5:30 PM. I found a parking place & walked back to the church. Right next to the old church (Cornerstone 1049 AD) was a very old Cemetery. I saw this quote on one of the gravestones. It touched my heart in its truth & seems appropriate to share it with you today.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
We know you have many great memories of your Mom, & hope those memories sustain you at this difficult time.
We also have many great memories of your Mom & Dad. There were trips to Minneapolis for basketball games, dinners at Steak & Ale, Winona Fish House, & Lansing Corners. It was during those times it was very clear how much they loved you all.
Again, we send our love & sympathy, Al & Yvonne Walz
Oh my, Mona and her lovely family have been a radiant and life giving connection for me. I am so grateful to have known and laughed and sang and danced with her. She was so lucky to have such amazing kids. Love and blessings, Kileen
It was delightful to meet and spend time with Mona in the Knitting Group at 125 Live. She was a wonderful part of our knitting and social group and I send my condolences to all of her family and friends. I have been and will keep Mona and all of you in my prayers. God Bless!
Louise Forbes
Dearest friends,
we are very sorry for your loss, we were always very touched by your mom spirit and joy. She lives in each one of you.
hugs and prayers,
Wayne and Veronica
I am so sorry that I will not be able to join you at the celebration of life for your amazing Mom. I will be thinking of all of you. Please know that I will make a special effort to donate many acts of kindness in her memory and in honor of her beautiful family. She was so very proud of her Kleist kids, grands, and great grands. Know that she will always be close, in your hearts.
I met this amazing woman only a few times. But even her older years, she was so full of life and raised such an amazing family. I will always remember her vim and vigor for life. My heart goes out to all of you. You were blessed to have such an amazing mom And grandmother in your lives. Treasure the moments that you shared.
Kevin and entire Kleist family, my sincere condolences go out to you all. Mona was a wonderful soul and will be missed. I remember her infectious smile, how she treated me like another family member and was always generous and kind to all.
God Bless you Mona, thank you, and enjoy being reunited with Don and many others in heaven!!
Nancy, please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. My dad would have wanted me to express that on his behalf as well.
Dearest Gary and family. Sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. Know that I am singing her to heaven in my heart.
Love, Judy
Nancy, please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. My dad would have wanted me to express that on his behalf as well.
We are saddened by Mo's passing but so grateful to have known her and knowing she's at peace. She was always the smiling face in the front row of our house concerts and she opened her home to us for so many family occasions. Thanks to the Kleist family for sharing your gift of Mo with us!