July 20, 1954 – Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Service Information
Immanuel Ev Lutheran Church-Pelican Lake, Buffalo
Sunday, May 13, 2018
7:00 PM

Visitation Information
Immanuel Ev Lutheran Church-Pelican Lake, Buffalo
Sunday, May 13, 2018
4:00 – 7:00 PM

Thomas William Kleist, 63 of Buffalo, MN passed away in his home on May 9th, 2018 after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Tom was raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he attended Wisconsin Lutheran High School. After high school he studied at the School of Radiology Technology and immediately went on to become a Nuclear Medicine Technician.

It was during his studies in Radiology school he met the women that would become his wife of 42 years. Thomas and Kristine M. Kleist (O’Leary) married on February 21st, 1976 and faithfully together, raised their eight children.

Thomas relocated his family to Buffalo, MN in 1991 after accepting a sales position with Lake Region Medical in Chaska, MN. It was there he thrived professionally winning numerous awards and consistently surpassing sales goals. He was a devoted employee and a pillar in the success of many of his co-workers. Of all that he accomplished throughout his career, he took the most pride in the many lasting friendships he made over the years. After traveling the world and 20 years of dedicated service, he retired as the Vice President of Marketing and Sales.

After 35 years in the health care and medical device industry, he retired and returned to his love of yard work. Tom started Kleist Lawn Care and set out to “make Buffalo more beautiful one lawn at a time” – his clients would all agree he did just that. However, it didn’t take long for office duties to come calling and in 2012, Tom was elected as the Clerk/Treasurer for the Buffalo Township. It thrilled Tom to be part of a cause that bettered the community he lived in. He served on the board right up until his successor was trained in April 2018. A true testament to his strength and the dedication he had to his responsibilities.

While he enjoyed these many professional roles, they paled in comparison to his dedication to the Lord. As a member of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Buffalo, MN for 27 years, you could find Tom in church every Sunday and devoting much of his time to various outreach programs such as: church council, taking care of the lawn, ushering and teaching Sunday school.

Tom loved to fish, feed the birds, catch the fall colors, garden and watch wildlife pass through his yard. He loved to visit with his grandchildren and hear about what was going on in their lives and of course, spend time with his wife. Few things made him happier than taking in a movie or a dinner with his wife after a day’s job well done.

Thomas leaves behind a legacy of hard work and unfailing humor. He is survived by his steadfast wife; Kristine, eight children; Gregory (Emily) Kleist, Dan (Kari) Kleist, Justin (Alison) Kleist, David Kleist, Michelle (Trent) Seibel, Mary (Nick) Johnson, John (Becca) Kleist, Anna (Dylan) Ogren; 19 grandchildren; siblings; Rev. James (Jody) Kleist, Patti (Greg) Alsch, Nancy Just; numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Thomas is preceded in death by his parents; Rev. Robert W. Kleist and Dorothy M. Kleist (Kirst).

Honorary casket bearers are all of Tom’s grandchildren.

Funeral service will be held Sunday, May 13, 2018 at 7:00 PM, with visitation beginning at 4:00 PM, at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church – Pelican Lake, 1970 Edmonson Ave NE, Buffalo MN. Entombment Assumption Cemetery in St. Cloud MN.

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. 763-682-1363. www.thepetersonchapel.com.