LaVern L. Klimpel , 72, Minot, died Saturday, April 11, 2015 at his residence from a heart attack.

LaVern was born December 30, 1942 at Minot, North Dakota the son of Ervin and Mae (Hartlieb) Klimpel. He was raised and educated in Minot. He left high school to assist with the care of his mother after an automobile accident left her paralyzed.

At the age of 14, LaVern joined his dad and brother, Jerry, in the construction industry as a heavy equipment operator with Peterson Excavating. He worked there for 33 years until 1989, when the company was dissolved. He also worked for Linteigen Construction building roads in the Carrington area and for Excavating Inc., working on various flood control projects in the area. He has spent the past 20 years working for Mattson Construction as a heavy equipment operator and was often complimented as the "best finish operator around". LaVern spent 5 decades 'moving dirt' in the Minot area. He truly enjoyed his work. LaVern was once married to Venus Quam.

LaVern was united in marriage to Joan "Jodi" Halstengard on November 11, 1989 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church by Pastor Carlyle Roth. They have continued to make their home in Minot throughout the years, where he loved to tinker and could fix just about anything. He was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, where he had remained active throughout the years. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren cherishing all the moments he spent with them.

LaVern's loving family includes his wife, Jodi; children, Jared (Jen) Klimpel, Surrey and Sheila (Doug) Heisler, Cedar Rapids, IA, Joan (Mitch) Preskey, Glenburn, Dean Halstengard and his friend, Marnita, of Minot and Terry (Cyndi) Halstengard, Mandan; Eleven grandchildren; brother, Dennis (Karen) Klimpel, Minot, sisters, Gloria (Gary) Lenton, Norwich, Audrey (Brian) Beck, Minot and Debbie (Carl) Denkinger, Faribault, MN; sister-in-law, Janice Klimpel, Minot; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

LaVern was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, George, Lyle and Jerry Klimpel and sisters, Luella (Mike) Tabak, Patsy (Harold) Hansen and Thelma Klimpel

Funeral service : Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

Visitation : Tuesday from 2:00-5:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.