Luke Kleinlein
May 10, 1993 ~ July 24, 2016
Luke James Kleinlein, 23, of Gettysburg and formerly of Brookings, passed away Sunday, July 24, 2016 at the Avera Gettysburg Hospital in Gettysburg, SD, following a vehicular accident.
Funeral services in Gettysburg will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, July 28, 2016 at the United Methodist Church, Gettysburg with Pastor Jeff Adel presiding. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the church. Funeral services in Brookings will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 29, 2016 at Ascension Lutheran Church, Brookings with Pastor Michael Mortvedt presiding. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the church.
Luke James Kleinlein was born May 10, 1993 in Mitchell, SD; the son of Randy and Jolene (Larson) Kleinlein. He attended Brookings schools and graduated from Brookings High School in 2011, where he was a member of the football team. He graduated from Southeast Technical Institute with an Associate’s degree in Law Enforcement Science.
Luke was proud to serve as part of the Gettysburg Police Department and always wore his uniform with integrity and respect. Prior to that, Luke served as a park ranger for the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks and served as a dispatcher for the Mobridge, SD Police Department. Growing up, he was active in the 4-H Shooting Sports program, attaining national recognition, and participated in TaeKwonDo, attaining his adult black belt. Luke was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, and ride his motorcycle. Luke was also a dedicated family man. He loved to spend time with family and hang out with friends.
Luke is survived by his parents: Randy of Brookings, SD and Jolene of Aberdeen, SD; sister, Kaia of Sioux Falls, SD; paternal grandparents, James Kleinlein of Huron, SD and Arlene Wagner of Sioux City, IA; several uncles and cousins plus many of his fellow officers.
Luke was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Bud and Joyce Larson of Clark, SD and fellow fallen officers.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that you consider donations to the Southeast Technical Institute Law Enforcement Memorial Scholarship Fund that will be set up by the family in memory of Luke.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg and Eidsness Funeral Home of Brookings has been entrusted with Luke's arrangements.
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Randy, Jolene, and Kaia,. I am so sorry to hear of Luke’s accident. We are thinking of you all and praying for strength to help you through this. Love Connie, CJ, Amanda and Courtney
My deepest sympathy for your loss
My heart is breaking for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Dale and Dawn, Rob, Jake and Emily Foiles
The Edmunds County Sheriff’s Office would like to send our deepest sympathy to Luke’s family. He was a brother in blue. All though we didn’t know him personally he is still part of a unified family that holds together. God bless your family.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Jerry,Brenda,Brit,Chase and Ally Monson
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts.
I was saddened to here of Luke’s passing, I worked with Luke when he was hired for our Summer Park Ranger Program and helped train him. He was truly interested in helping people. Prayers to the family in this difficult time, he will be missed.
Our deepest sympathy and you’re in our thoughts & prayers.
My sincere condolences to the family members during this difficult time. I just want to share a scripture that has strengthened me when I lost a loved one. I pray it soothes the pain you are experiencing and give you strength to continue to cope. Isaiah 41:10"Do not be afraid for I am with you. Do not gaze about , for I am your God. I will fortify you. I will really help you. I will really keep fast hold of you with my right had of righteousness." Please go to http://www.jw.org to find out from the Bible what happens when you die.
We are shocked to learn of Luke’s death. Your family has been in our thoughts and prayers since we learned the news. I have very fond memories of Luke and your family as we shared the 4H Archery experience. Luke had some great accomplishments in 4H Shooting sports. Our sincere condolences. Jim and Christine Adkins