Ken Kleven (75) passed away November 4, 2017. He was born May 12, 1942 in Salt Lake City to Berger and Ethel Kleven. He married Jordis Brist on April 16, 1979.

Ken was in the Army Reserve for eight years, served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Norway, and graduated from the University of Utah in 1969. In 1975 he moved to Great Falls.

Ken was passionate about supporting the at risk mental health population, and tirelessly advocated for his clients. For 35 years he worked at the Center for Mental Health, the last two as executive director. He supervised hundreds of employees, providing mental health services in Great Falls, Helena, and surrounding communities. He worked in cooperation with the Great Falls Police Department providing consultation and education for over 25 years, was an instructor for the Montana Law Enforcement Academy for Probation and Parole Officers, and was appointed to the Great Falls Police Commission.

During his career he served as the Montana Chapter President for the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), served on the State of Montana Community Support Project Advisory Board, and was a Cascade County Critical Incident Stress Debriefing team member. Ken received multiple awards and commendations for his work, including Social Worker of the Year by the Montana NASW Chapter in 1993, Outstanding Mental Health Service award from the Mental Health Association of Montana and State Department of Correction and Human Services in 1995, and the Virginia Blen Memorial Award for outstanding contributions to mental health by the Mental Health Association of Great Falls in 1996.

Ken served in several leadership roles within his church. He joyfully shared the gospel with others. He loved his family. His favorite time was spent with his family, especially playing with his grandchildren. His children and grandchildren will forever remember his loving example. He will be greatly missed.

Ken is survived by his wife Jordis, children Kari Hoggan (Paul), Chris (Carrie), Jon (Suzette), Eric (Rachel), Katie Jensen (Brett), Dawnn Walters (Scott), Cyndi Greenlee (Sean), Leif, and Karl (Becca). He is also survived by his brother Keith (Mary), sister Carol Love (Evan), 25 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents and sister Susan Thomas (Darryl).

The family is deeply appreciative of the compassionate care he received from Dr. Harrer and the team at Sletten Cancer Institute.

Friends and family may call on November 10th, 10:00 AM at the LDS Church, 1401 9th St NW, Great Falls. A Funeral Service will immediately follow at 11:00 AM.

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