Donald Allen Kleifgen

Donald Allen Kleifgen, Sr. died Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at home in Benson, Cochise County, Arizona following a lengthy illness. He was 70 years old. Donald was born on December 27, 1942 in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota to his parents, the late Elmer Kleifgen and Mozelle (Johnson) Kleifgen. Donald worked as an electrician throughout his life and worked hard to provide a comfortable living for his large family. He has worked as an electrician for IBEW Union for 50 years. He recently received his 50 year pin from the union and he, as well as his family, was proud of that accomplishment. Also, Donald has owned several business over the years and was a friendly and familiar face to many. Donald was a lover of the great-out-of-doors and appreciated the beauty of this world. He was an avid hunter and loved fishing at any one of his "fishing holes." He also enjoyed camping wherever he could pitch a tent and spend quality time with his family. His greatest life's achievements came with the birth of each of his children. He was a true family man and, when his grandchildren and great-grandchildren started to arrive, his joy was magnified immensely. He married his wife, Sandra, 40 years ago in Carson City, Nevada and they have lived a wonderful happy life together. This gentle giant of a man will be greatly missed by everyone whom has had the privelege to call him: "Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Grandfather and Friend." Donald is survived by his wife: Sandra Kleifgen of Benson, Arizona; 6 children: Don (Teri) Kleifgen, Jr. of Lakeside, Arizona, Kim (Patrick) Connelly of Lakeside, Arizona, Eugene (Sherry) Nadrchal of Show Low, Arizona, Daniel (Angie) Nadrchal of Benson, Arizona, Margie (Chris) Grasse of Alaska, Heidi (Bill) Benson of California; his mother, Mozelle Kleifgen of Benson, Arizona; 2 brothers: Brad (Kat) Kleifgen of Benson, Arizona, Bruce (Paula) Kleifgen of Benson, Arizona; 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Along with his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, Wayne Kleifgen. The visitation and viewing will be from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Thursday, August 1, 2013 at Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel, 320 N. 9th Street in Show Low, Arizona. The funeral service will begin 1:00 P.M. Friday, August 2, 2013, also at the mortuary, and will have additional visitation beginning 1 hour prior. The concluding service and interment will immediately follow at the Show Low Cemetery. Donald's family appreciates all of the kind expressions of sympathy they have received during this difficult season and are especially grateful for all of the prayers offered up in their behalf.