David Klemisch
November 3, 1960 ~ February 18, 2014
David G. Klemisch, 53, passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at Essentia Hospital in Fargo, ND with his family by his side.
David Gerard Klemisch was born in Drayton, ND on November 3, 1960 to Robert and Dolores Klemisch. He grew up in Drayton and graduated from Drayton High School in 1979. David enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1980. He was stationed in San Diego, CA aboard the USS Dixon and traveled the Pacific Ocean.
On August 1, 1981 David married Merrilee Lubka. When David was honorably discharged in 1984, they returned to North Dakota. Together they had two children, Randall and Jamie. David worked as a master electrician in Fargo until signing on with Franklin Life.
In May 1998, David lost his wife to her battle with cancer. He was blessed to find love again and married Stacey Mennis on September 25, 1999. He was also very happy to gain a step-daughter, April. Their family remained in Fargo and David expanded his business to form Klemisch Financial Group. David was a hard worker and became very successful. He earned many industry honors including president of the Fargo-Moorhead Association of Life Underwriters and later state president. David also earned many awards.
David had many interests including hunting, fishing and golfing. He was a huge Bison fan and attended all three national championship games with his son, Randall. David loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. David was known for his sense of humor.
David will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Stacey; his children, Randall Klemisch, Scottsdale, AZ, Jamie (Matthew) Rarick, Drayton, ND, April (Trevor) Anderson, Fargo, ND; his grandchildren, Jonah and Ruth Rarick; his brothers and sisters, Ken (Denise) Klemisch, Mike (Kathy) Klemisch, Roger (MaryLou) Klemisch, Wayne (Lucille) Klemisch, Darlene (Keith) Bondley, Diane (Gary) Winterquist, Bob (Nicole) Klemisch, Dan (Deb) Klemisch, Jeff (Lisa) Klemisch and Carol (Scott) Harr.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Dolores Klemisch; his first wife, Merrilee Klemisch; and his granddaughter, Calla Rarick.
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Minot, ND
I’m so sorry and saddened about the untimely passing of Dave. He was a great friend and served his country with pride and honor. My thoughts and prayers to Stacy, kids and family.
God Bless
Markus
Manvel ND
My sympathy and prayers are with you, Stacey, and children and grandchildren, and all of David’s extended family and friends!
You have been in my thoughts and prayers ever since I heard the news of His death.
Father Bernie, first cousin to Dolores.
Mandan Bob and Nicole, Carol and Scott: Our thoughts and prayers are with you on the loss of your brother.
Tonya, Jerry, Jared, Tyler and Kassidi Jans
Fargo My sincere sympathies to all of the Family.
To the family of David Klemisch,
I’m very sorry about the death of your loved one. I wanted to share the scriptural hope that gave me so much comfort and I hoped it would you also. The Bible shows that God did not intend for humans to die. (Romans 5:12). It also calls death a enemy. (1 Corinthians 15:26). God has made arrangements to remove death forever. (Isaiah 25:8). God has also set a time when he will resurrect our loved ones who have already died. (John 5:28,29). In the meantime, he promises to give us the inner peace to cope with our loss. (Philippians 4:7). Please go to jw.org to find satisfying answers using your own Bible. Sincerely, Susan Novak
West fargo Nd Stacey, I am so sorry for your loss. I just found out late Friday night. I couldn’t believe it when I saw his picture and it was him. I first thought it was a different David. David was a nice man and help my family with some good info an insurance we got from his company. I am so sorry he’s past at such a young age. The past years I’ve enjoyed your holiday news letter about the thing you, David and the family had done for the year. Again I’m truly saddened for his passing, it came with such a surprise. My prayers are with you and your family.
Prairie Rose ND
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We knew Dave from Franklin Life Ins. and have many pleasant memories of him on our trip to Bayfield, Wisconsin. He was full of fun. May his memories bring many smiles to your heart.
Williston ND
Sandi M. and Tom W. are mourning the loss of a very special, dear & comical friend. We pray for the entire Klemisch family during this difficult time. We can all feel blessed for having David in our lives for as little or as long as each of us has known him. When David came to my home in Williston, he would tell joke after joke, laugh, eat and maybe drink a beer or 2? Does that sound like David? David always talked about how much he loved his wife, kids, family & his customers. What a true friend we have lost! Miss you and we will see you in heaven some day, buddy!! (GO BISON!!!!)
West Fargo ND
Dave was a good and kind friend. We had many good times working together in our professional organization (NAIFA).
Bowman ND
To the family of David Klemisch–
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
In sympathy and friendship–
Ruth Kline (mother of Nicole Klemisch)
Whittier CAOver the past two years I have worked with “Klem” as his Home Office Principal at National Planning Corporation. I am very saddened to know of his passing since I had just seen him at NPC’s office in Santa Monica, CA a few days before he was taken ill. He will be missed by all of us who knew him in the Home Office at NPC.
Audubon MN
Dave was always fun to have a chat with he will certainly be missed by many who knew him.
Halstad MN
We are so sorry to learn of the loss of David. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of the Klemisch family during this time of grief and loss. We pray that our good Lord welcomes him into the joys of eternal life.
West Fargo ND
Dear Stacey and family.
Prayers and hugs to you and your family.
Kathryn ND
We send our Deepest Sympathy to You and Your family. Praying for you and wishing you Peace.
Randy and Maxine
Glenham SDI am so sorry to hear of David’s passing. I have known David and his family since the 1960’s. I remember singing at David and Merilee’s wedding…it was a special occasion. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Bismarck ND
May God bring you comfort and consolation and may David rest in His peace.
Thank you for your business for so many years. Prayers and condolences from our family to yours.
I met Dave a few years ago through his son Randall. I remember laughing the night away with him and having a great time. He was so funny! I am so incredibly sorry to hear of his passing and my prayers go out to his family.
Dickinson ND
My deepest sympathy to all family, I served with Dave on the NAIFA state board of directors, Dave was a very knowledgeable person, fun to be around and just a great big Teddy Bear! I am so sorry for your loss. my thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Drayton ND
We knew Bob & Delores Klemisch as a hard working family in Drayton. Wonderful people and now memories remain. Our sympathy to David’s family, brothers and sisters. Peace to his memory!
Rancho Palos Verdes CAI got to know Dave through my prevous company that was his broker/dealer. A few years ago I came up to Fargo and helped him out with a bunch of audits. We hit it off and ended up becoming friends. I would see him at conferences and talk to him on the phone and we would always share a laugh or two. He was down here in California a couple weeks ago and he called me. Unfortunately it was too tough for me to get up to Santa Monica to see him but we planned on getting together soon in Minnesota
. I am very sorry for your loss and I will miss Dave tremendously. Everyone that knows Dave on a personal level understands how much of a loss this is. When I heard the news I scrolled through the last few text messages Dave sent me. I had to smile as I read one of the last ones that said “Go Vikes”…
Fargo So sorry to hear about your loss. Just wanted to say he was a great man and your family is in my thoughts.
West Fargo ND
Klemisch Family: We were stunned to hear of Klem’s passing. We used to have so much fun when we all lived in the same apartment building in West Fargo. We played many games of cards, watched movies together, and had lots of meals and snacks together.
Klem was a good person, and a good friend.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Klemisch family at this very sad time in their lives.
Thomas & Sharon Bird
Bismarck ND
I am shocked and so sad to hear of the loss of Dave. He always had a smile on his face, was so quickwhitted and incredibly smart. I am so sad to hear of his passing. Stacey, Randy, Jamie and April I will say an extra prayer for you and all of Dave’s family in the weeks ahead.
The Centennial School staff is thinking of Darlene and her family as they go through this difficult time. She shared some great stories of her brother with the staff.
Gary MN
David was more than a financial adviser, he was a friend. we enjoyed the Christmas letter and got to see his family grow and change. he will be missed.
Washburn ND
Dan and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Valley City ND
David was such a special man and a family friend. When he came into our lives we felt like he wasn’t just there to sell a product but that he really wanted to get to know our needs and find us the best possible solutions for what fit our lives. In fact, several times, David went above and beyond his job to help with personal issues and extend a befriended arm. His death is a great loss, for a life so grand to be cut so short. I only hope his family can find comfort in knowing that he is in God’s hands now, watching over his loved ones from above.
Fargo So sorry to hear that Dave passed away…..this must have been sudden since he was at the Bision Championship game. So glad he got to go to that. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Teresa Nygard
Fargo ND
Our sympathy to Dan and the entire Klemisch Family. I taught with Dan at
McClusky and taught Kevin. I know the pain of losing a brother too young. Mine died at the age of 50. Our prayers are with you. Bob & Ruth Stefonowicz
Oak Creek COThe Klemisch family & mine grew up together, across the street. David was about the same age s my brother Jeff. He spent a lot of time at our house. I was friends with the girls & we enjoyed tormenting our younger brothers. The boys would trade houses during the World Series as we girls would always cheer against our brothers team. I remember his smirk & sense of humor. He will be missed by many.
Riverview FLWith Sincere Sympathy to all Dave’s family Robert and Joan Pilon
Riverview FLSo shocked and saddened to hear of David’s passing. Prayers and thoughts to all his family. Will always have fond memories of his fun-loving nature. May God wrap his loving arms of comfort around you at this most saddest of times.
sorry for you loss
Grenora ND
Sorry to hear this news, wasn’t aware he was ill, our sympathies go out to his family. He will be missed! 🙂
David’s passing was far too soon and we will miss him as a neighbor. Especially his blaze orange snowblowing outfit. Stacey, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Eldridge N.D
.My love and prayers are with you. I didn’t know David, but April talked about him with respect.
Minneapolis MN
My condolences to you and your family. David will be missed!
Sun City ArizonaDear Klemisch Family,
We are so deeply saddened by your loss. Our thoughts are with you in this difficult time. May your wonderful memories of David bring you comfort and peace.
Al & Deb Rohrich
Enterprise AL My wife Mary knew David in high school. David was one of the first people I met after Mary and I got married. Shortly thereafter he became our life insurance agent.
Prior to returning to active duty, David would stop by our place just to say “Hi” when he was in Grand Forks.
He was a good friend and we kept in contact via email and phone calls over the last 25 years.
I would always call or stop by his office when we were in town on leave. He always had a friendly hand shake or big hug when I saw him.
He will leave a big hole in my life and it was a pleasure to know him for all these years. David will be greatly missed.
May God take him into his gentle hands and heaven great him with all the kindness he deserved.
David L. Soergel
Klem and I share the same birthday so I will always think of the ribbing he a gave me each year for being the “old man”. Just because I was two years old older.
Sioux Falls SDDavid was a classmate, teammate and was very good at everything he did. So sad for his family and early passing. The short time he was here – he made a difference. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Moorhead MN
I am so shocked and sadden to hear about Dave’s passing. I was one of his customers but considered him more of a friend. I know that whenever I had questions or needed help he was always there. I will miss him. You all are in my prayers and thoughts.
Fargo ND
Although I never got to meet Dave I know his son and we have become good friends over the years. He grew up with my wife so when we had a chance to finally meet I already knew so much about him, his famly and the loss they already went through. I got to see the family Monday night at the hospital and we were all in high hopes that the doctors were making progress and going forward the surgeries were routine. When I saw early Tuesday morning things took a turn for the worst my heart sank and then I found out later that morning.
Thoughts and prayers go out to Randy (Randall), Jamie, April, Stacey and the rest of the Klemisch family. Dave was taken away far too soon.
Zac and Jen Volk
Fargo, ND
We are so shocked and saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. A better neighbor could not be found. We will miss him profoundly. Love to you, Stacey and April.