Genevieve Klava

Genevieve A. Klava, 104, Wheaton Minnesota, and formerly of Forest River, North Dakota went to meet her creator on Monday, December 5, 2022, surrounded by family, at the Traverse Care Center.

Genevieve Alice Barclay was born on December 9, 1917 in Grafton, North Dakota to Jennie A. and William J. Barclay as the first of five children. Genevieve grew up around Minto, ND and graduated as the valedictorian of the Class of 1935.  Genevieve was very active in school activities. She belonged to several clubs; French, Birdwatchers, Pep, Minto High Line, Outdoor Girls and was on the library staff.

On October 18, 1935, Genevieve married Bruce J. Klava and they were blessed with four children.

Genevieve saw tremendous changes in the world in her 104-plus years. She survived numerous disease outbreaks, including two pandemics; the 1918 Spanish Flu and COVID-19.

Genevieve was an active member of her church communities throughout her life. She was an avid reader, through literature, she was able to travel the world without leaving her home.  Genevieve was an extremely skillful crafter. Her needlepoint, embroidery, cross stitch and sewing projects won blue ribbons at the county fair. Genevieve was also the family correspondence queen. She kept in touch on regular basis with hand-written notes and letters to the entire family, extended family, and numerous friends.

Genevieve was a gifted caregiver to family, friends, and anyone who was in need.  Her gentle, loving spirit touched many lives.  She was a worry-wart, but her sense of humor and deep faith sustained her through many family trials and tribulations.

Genevieve is survived by her children: Clark (Gina) Klava, Oslo, MN, Gloria (Charles) Church, Ponsford, MN, Dr. William (Kathleen) Klava , McGregor, MN, and Mary(Russell) Armstrong , Wheaton, MN,  grandchildren: Karen Cote, Tami Nice-Ebertowski, Mark Nice, Scott Nice, Jerod (Jennifer) Klava, Brent Klava, Ethan (Anna) Armstrong, and Lucas (Krista) Armstrong, great grandchildren, Jacob and Alyssa Cote, Samantha (Andrew) Baum, Alexander Ebertowski, Casey (Danyelle) Nice, Cody Nice, Caleigh Nice, Natalia Nice, Wyatt, Emmy, and Matilda Klava, Etta Armstrong, and Monroe and Lennon Armstrong, great great grandchildren, William and Eleanor Baum, and Scarlett Nice.

Genevieve was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bruce J. Klava, her brothers Bert and Jim Barclay, and sisters Dorothy Spelhaug and Geraldine Bromley and grandson-in-law Thomas Ebertowski.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, December 12, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Minto, North Dakota with Fr. Brian Moen Celebrant.

Visitation will be held Sunday, December 11th from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. with a 4:00 p.m. Time of Sharing at Ave Maria Catholic Church in Wheaton. Visitation will continue Monday, one hour prior to service time at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Minto, North Dakota.

Interment will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Minto, North Dakota.