AARON MONTAGUE KLIEBENSTEIN, age 32, formerly from Prior Lake, MN passed away on August 1, 2002.  Funeral services were held in New Orleans, LA where he had resided for several years.  He was cremated and his remains scattered among his favorite places in New Orleans.

Aaron attended Prior Lake schools from 1980 thru 1989.  He was active in the Korean form of karate, Tae Kwon Do, and earned a black belt in 1990. 

He worked at Mystic Lake Casino and also for Harrah's Casino in Kansas City, Memphis, and New Orleans.

Aaron is survived by his father, Stan Kliebenstein (wife Kathleen) of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, his mother, Diane Roforth-Smith (husband David) of Homestead, Florida, brother Nick Kliebenstein of Broomfield, Colorado, sisters Monique Jensen of Shakopee, MN, Laura Kliebenstein of Homestead, Florida, Claire and Joanne Smith of London, England.  He is also survived by a niece, Amanda, a nephew, Alex, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.  As importantly, by a multitude of friends in many cities and states.

A MEMORIAL STATEMENT

Aaron, you fought hard your entire life.  You will be remembered by all of us as a very loving and caring man.  Now that you are in heaven, you realize how many of us love you and will forever miss those bright blue eyes and that beautiful smile for the rest of our lives.  God speed, and we will meet again. 

Jen's request to write something about Aaron got me thinking about the many good and exciting times that we had together.  Among others, it brought back memories of Memorial Weekend 1989.  For those of you who knew Aaron a bit better, you know that at times he liked to say and do things that would shock others.  What a rebel!  This was one of those times.

Aaron and I had spent a wonderful weekend with his family in Park Rapids, MN.  The weather was great, and we spent most of the time doing outdoor activities.  The days flew by, and it was time to head back to the cities.

For some reason Aaron's parents had left the cabin before us.  Anyway, after a while on the highway, Aaron spotted their car.  So he decided we should do something funny.  With "we" he meant "I" should do something funny.  His idea was that I (who never gets into trouble) moon his family as we pass.  He was truly convinced that his mom would get a kick out of it.  Since I refused to show my behind to anyone (especially his parents), we switched seats - while driving - so he could expose his.  My suggestion to pull over and then change seats didn't find his approval.  Hey, it wasn't like his parents were going to get away from us (they were pulling a trailer).  But, how does the saying go - "no guts, no glory"?  So we switched positions, I honked twice, slowly drove past his family and Aaron hung his butt right out of that car window.  And to my surprise, his family really did get a kick out of that.  But honestly though, I don't quite think little Laura knew what she had just witnessed!  The young are so innocent.  And we were so wild!

Aaron was a very special person, not only to me.  I thank him for being part of my life and sharing his dreams with me.  He taught me to see life from a different angle and to not always analyze, but learn to accept.  God bless his heart.  He was one of the good guys on the wild side!

~ Nicole Kersten 

Summer 1990

Memorial Weekend 1989

Summer 1990