LeArnold “Lee” Klingberg, age 79, a lifelong resident of Prior Lake, MN, sadly left his family’s side on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville, MN.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 6, 2023, from 4-7 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake and on Friday, July 7, 2023, from 9:30-10:45 am, followed by a celebration of life, at 11 am, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 5634 Luther Road, Prior Lake. Rev. Dr. Brent Parrish and Rev. Gregg DeMuth will preside, with pallbearers of Jakob, Josh, T.C., Drew, Joey, and Jace Honorary pallbearers will be Wayne Frey, Joe Klingberg, Chris Laskbrook, Bernie Mahowald, Glenn Mueller, Larry Stier, Leo Dorn and Gary Weckop. Lee will be laid to rest at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery.
Born in Shakopee, MN, LeArnold Emil was the first of two children of Elmer and Della (Dorn) Klingberg, gracing this world on December 7, 1943. Prior Lake was his forever home, where he grew up with his younger sister, Judy. At a young age, Lee assisted his parents spending countless hours cleaning the buses inside and out and even found himself and Cousin Joe partaking in a joy ride on a bus one day.
After graduating from Prior Lake High School in 1962, Lee entered the United States Army Reserves. He began his commitment in 1964 and proudly served until 1970. Following in his parents’ footsteps of a strong work ethic, Lee and his family successfully built Klingberg Excavating and Klingberg Bus Company, with a focus on special education busing in later years. He was a stand-up individual, a hands-on boss, and a man of his word. Lee was honest, honorable and a well-respected man and business owner in the community. In 2018, he and his family sold the buses, and today remain committed to the continued success of the excavating business.
On February 19, 1966, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Lee married Judith Kaye Blohm. They were blessed with two children, Jim and Joan. That same year, Lee and Judie built the first of two homes on the Klingberg homestead, with the second home built in 1992. Family oriented; each day was centered around them. Every summer the Klingberg family relished the annual vacation around the region. As a couple, Lee and Judie enjoyed snowmobiling in their early years and taking cruises in their later years. They dabbled in golf, appreciated a good game of cards and taking their chances at the casinos. Since 2004, Lee and Judie have spent winters in Fort Myers, Florida. Here, he enjoyed deep sea fishing, playing more cards and created many friendships. In 2022, this adventure in Fort Myers ended with Hurricane Ian.
The love of family continued as Jim and Joan welcomed their own families, Lee’s focus was then on the grandchildren and great grandchildren. He went out of his way to spoil them rotten. Lee was always in attendance at their school events and sporting activities. He never flinched answering a late-night taxicab call, teaching them how to run equipment at a very young age or purchasing the latest motorized toy for them to enjoy, snowmobiles, golf carts, ATV, etc.
Lee had a huge generous heart beyond a fault. He was always there to lend a helping hand. Strong-willed, you knew where you stood with Lee. He had a great sense of humor and a contagious smile. Left to carry on his legacy, Lee will be forever loved by his wife, Judie; son, Jim Klingberg and his children, Drew (Amanda), Nikki, Jayme (T.C); daughter, Joan (Jeff) Young and their children, Ashley, Jakob, and Joshua; great grandchildren, Ava, Amara, Analee, Gabbie, Judd; sister, Judy Sullivan; nephew, Joe (Kris) Sullivan and their children, Joey and Jordon; niece, Julie (Mark) Westman and their children, Jace and Jessie; sister-in-law, Bonnie (Dale) Corning and their children, David (Tracy), Jennifer; other relatives and friends.
Greeting LeArnold home in Heaven are his parents, Elmer and Della; brothers-in-law, John Sullivan, Gene Blohm; daughter-in-law, Misty Hayes and nephew, Steve Corning.
