Nicholas Kleven, age 41, of Oak Grove, Minnesota died suddenly and unexpectedly August 20, 2023. A memorial visitation will be held from 2:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. Sunday, August 27th at Strike Life Tributes in Isanti. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 P.M. Monday, August 28th at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in East Bethel with a visiting time also one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family or to Nick and Jess’ favorite organization where they have both sat as board members since its inception, the St. Francis Athletic Booster Club.
Nicholas Charles Kleven was born in Coon Rapids, MN on November 06, 1981 and raised in the St. Francis School District. He met his lifelong love Jessica Ann Bakken in his sophomore year of high school in 1998. Nick graduated from St. Francis High School in 2000. He continued his education and received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Programming and Technology in 2001. Nicholas and Jessica married on June 19, 2004. Nick again continued his education and received a Bachelor of Science degree in general Information Technology in 2006. Nicholas and Jessica welcomed their first son, Porter in 2012, then their son, Knoxwell in 2014, in 2015 Nicholas and Jessica moved back to their hometown and welcomed their daughter, Noella. Nick was the best Daddy to his children; they were truly his pride and joy. He gave them all his time, love, compassion and did everything in his power to mold them into the beautiful, kind humans that they are today. Nick was the best of the best, if you needed help, he was there. Nick took pride in his job at Fairview Information Technology where he worked for over 16 years. Nick was an award-winning homebrewer, an amazing cook, loved to golf with his boys and when he needed to, he turned into twinkle toes to perform in the father daughter dance at his daughter’s recitals. He was a very engaged member of the St. Francis community serving on the board of the St. Francis Athletic Booster Club as well as coaching 2 football teams each Fall. Coaching was a large part of who Nick was, he cared deeply for his athletes, he made lifelong friends with his athlete’s families throughout the 7 seasons of youth sports that he coached.
Nick died suddenly and unexpectedly on August 20, 2023 at the age of 41 years. Nick is survived by his wife, Jessica and their 3 children, Porter, Knoxwell and Noella. Also mourning his loss are his parents, Thomas and JoAnn Kleven; siblings, Toni Avery and Benjamin (Ashley Johnson) Kleven; grandmother, Sharon Larson; close Kleven family support system, Jamie and Lynn Kleven, Peter Johnson, Erik (Erin) Johnson, the Barsness, Knoll, Lindelof and Wold families; father-in-law, John Bakken IV; mother-in-law, Jodi (Chip) DeVries; sister-in-law, Amanda Bakken; brother-in-law, John Bakken V, many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors, Fairview co-workers and youth football players. He is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Lyle Kleven and Leslie Larson; grandmother, Deanna Kleven; aunt, Jane Kleven; and sister, Sara Kleven.
Hugs to you Jess; and those three beautiful children. Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for you in the very difficult time.
Jessica, our hearts are shattered for you and your sweet family. You and Nick made an awesome team – it was always obvious to us how devoted you were to one another and to your children. Seeing all of the photos of holidays, 1st/last days of school each year, and everything in between gave us the opportunity to see your family thrive and grow. Those memories will surely sustain you as you navigate this new territory. Please know you are in our prayers that the strength and stamina you demonstrate on a daily basis will shore you up during this painful time. You will see him again.
Love,
Merrily and Paul
❤🌹R.I.P
I can not find the right words for your loss.
We are truly sorry for your loss. We know he was so special in your lives and loved his family. You remain in our prayers.
Dear Jessica, my thoughts are with you and your lovely family.
Have my deepest sympathies in such a tragic moment. I am here to share the grief and lessen your burden.
Stunned and saddened to hear of your loss. Nick was such a wonderful person. I always enjoyed working with him and following you, him and your family on your adventures. May loving memories of Nick bring you peace, comfort, and strength and may the gift of time lessen your pain. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
What a terrible blow to this community! Nick was one of the nicest guys I’ve met. He will truly be missed by so many. Great coach and friend
Words cannot express our sorrow at the loss of Nick, Jess. You have been a part of our lives since you and Jenny met in high school and Jennifer and Terry and their kids think.of you as extended family as do we. Please except our sympathies on this loss for you and your children and extended family members.
I’m so sorry for your loss Jess. I’m sending prayers to you and you family in this extraordinary difficult time.
I was Nick’s high school football coach. I will always remember his kind heart and gentle soul. I was very saddened to hear about what happened, but I was not surprised when I read a little bit more about Nick that he was a coach for his boys. I can only imagine that his temperament and kindness made the teams that he coached an enjoyable experience.
My heart goes out to Jessica and the kids. You have been in my prayers.
Nick Kleven is one of my. favorite coworkers and will remain one of my favorites. Had just talked to him to follow up about requested work my team created and delivered to him. Nick has a great personality to the point it feels genuinely great when an opportunity presents itself to deliver technology to make his job easier.
Life has clearly illustrated to me over almost the same amount of years here as Nick that the best, friendliest, most welcoming people are called upon by God before the rest of us. God does play favorites and holds the highest standards in His selection. Nick is 100% one of these standout stars of life at work, his early draft is because he is better than the rest of us.
I respect how genuinely friendly Nick is and how strongly Nick makes one want to immediately jump onto completing a request at work to help him. He outclasses me in that aspect and its great to have been able to get to work with him for the past 3 years.
Thank you Nick, you are a class act and a role model for how to be a genuinely friendly person. There were no reminders set to hit you up on Teams the other day, I did so because you are one of my coworkers who has the best vibe. Top 1% of everyone, I appreciate you for that.
See you in the future Bro,
O.
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Site Admin(s): Please send link to donate to Nick’s surviving family if there is one so I may send money in lieu of flowers. Thank you
Deepest condolences to family. Nick was a great person and 1 of the best coworkers. Always the yes person when I asked for assistance. I was waiting last several days for you to be available online… RIP friend.
My condolences for your loss. My prayers go out to all the grieving hearts. Mine included. You don’t know what a shock. This is for me to read this. I am so sorry for everything you’re going through. Hugs and prayers for all.