Ramona "Mona" Lou Johnson was born to this earthly world on October 5, 1928. She was born to eternal life at the age of 95 on February 10, 2024.

Mona was born in Anoka, MN to Harry and Olive (Rognrud) Johnson. Following her graduation from Edison High School in 1946, she worked at General Mills for five years.

On December 15, 1951, Mona married the love of her life, Donald F. Kleist, in Rochester, MN. They lived in San Diego, CA and Norfolk, VA during Don's service in the Marine Corps. Eventually, they returned to Rochester where they raised their seven children.

Mona's legacy includes being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She was a charter and longtime member of Resurrection Catholic Church, and a vital partner in Don's homebuilding business. Don and Mona enjoyed traveling, especially to Branson, MO. She loved reading, baking, and all handcrafting, including quilting, sewing, knitting, embroidery, and crafts. Mona was active and vibrant her whole life. Mona volunteered many hours at church and Mayo Clinic. The last two years she especially enjoyed the friendships and activities at Shorewood Senior Living Campus and 125 Live.

Mona is survived by her children, Gary (Kathryn) Kleist; Jayne Kleist; Karen Kleist; Nancy (Mike) Hass; Mary (Mark) Wernstrom; Rick (Julie) Kleist; Kevin Kleist; grandchildren, Ben, Jason, Carly, Matthew, Megan, Kelsey, Emily, Sara, Stephanie, Kyle and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband, Donald (2007), parents, Harry and Olive, and brother, Stewart.

Special gratitude to Season's Hospice for their compassionate care and to her primary physician, Dr. Andrew Greenlund.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, Mona requested acts of kindness or donations to the charity of your choice.

The Memorial Mass for Mona will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 11:00AM at Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church in Rochester. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 15, 2024 from 4:00PM until 7:00PM in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the Mass at church. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery Rochester.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com