Dodgeville, WI – Clayton Edward Kleist, age 91, of Dodgeville and formerly of Highland died on Sunday afternoon Nov. 17, 2013 at Crestridge Assisted Living in Dodgeville. Clayton was born on Feb. 14, 1922 on the family farm in Highland, WI the son of Edward and Mirty (Richter) Kleist. He married Gayle Butteris on June 14, 1947 at Bethlehem Church in Edmund, WI.
Clayton attended school through the eighth grade until leaving to tend to the farm after his father was injured in a farm accident. Despite the absence of formal education, Clayton was an avid self-taught learner. He continued to farm his entire life and was a seed salesman for various companies for the past 42 years, only retiring two years ago at the age of 89. In addition to farming, Clayton was dedicated to his Lord. Through years of hard work and determination, Clayton obtained all the credits necessary to become an ordained minister, but decided his love for family and farming was too great to commit to ministry on a full time basis. However, Clayton served as a Lay Pastor and started a Christian Film Ministry at area churches. Clayton enjoyed playing cards and fishing with his grandchildren. He was a very gentle and caring man whose steadfast and unconditional love for his faith and his family will forever be cherished.
Clayton is survived by his three children; Sharon (Dr. John) Lehman, Keith (Laura) Kleist, and Randy (Jean) Kleist all of Highland, nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; Abbie (friend Roger Peterson) Lehman of Platteville, Brea (Fiancé Devin Hoeper) Lehman and their daughter Isabella Rose of Highland, and Tyler Kleist of Highland, Brian (Becki) Kleist with their children Brianna, Avri, Alexandra, Tanner, and Myah of Livingston, Michelle Kleist of Richland Center, and Christopher (Jessi) Kleist with their children Josie, and Wyatt of Boscobel, Trenton (Heather) Kleist and their daughter Paisley of Fitchburg, Jason Kleist of Highland, and Travis Kleist of West Des Moines, IA. Clayton is also survived by a sister-in-law Marie Widish of Dodgeville, and two nephews; Duane (Judy) Lewison of Middleton, and Donald Whitish of Fennimore.
Clayton was preceded in death by his parents, wife Gayle on Feb. 19, 2009, son and daughter-in-law Dale and Paula Kleist on Sept. 7, 1997, and three sisters; Isabel Lewison, Alvina Ethan, and Ethel Whitish.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday Nov. 21, 2013 at Montfort United Methodist Church in Montfort with burial to follow in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Montfort. Pastor Gary Benzschawel will be officiating. A visitation will be held from 4-7:00 P.M. on Wednesday evening Nov. 20, 2013 at the Soman-Larson Funeral Home in Montfort and from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church on Thursday morning. In lieu of plant and flowers a memorial fund is being established in loving memory of Clayton E. Kleist.