Mayo LaVerne Kjellsen, 88, died Tuesday March 13, 2018, at the Arlington Care and Rehabilitation Center. 

Funeral services are at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Arlington.  Burial is in the Arlington City Cemetery.  Visitation is  from 5-7 p.m Friday at the Johnson-Henry Funeral Home in Arlington and preceding services in the church on Saturday.

Mayo was born a twin to Jasper and Mary Kjellsen on July 10, 1929.  He spent his life around Arlington except for his years in the Marines stationed in California and Korea.  He was raised on a farm with his four brothers and sisters.  

He graduated salutatorian from Ramona High School and with a Bachelor of Science in animal husbandry degree from SDSU.  He married Joyce Irene Babb in 1953. 

 He was honorably discharged with many commendations and two Purple Hearts after his service from 1951-54. 

They settled on the farm where he grew up, and they raised five children and later two grandchildren.

Along with farming, Mayo served as the Codington County Extension agent.  

In 1985, they sold the farm and moved into town where he hauled Interstate batteries, seed corn, and trapped gophers until his retirement.

He wore many hats in life.  Hunting, fishing and spending time with family were among his favorite things.  

He was very active in the American Legion holding offices and running membership drives. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church. 

Survivors  include a twin sister, Mavis “Sis” McCullough of Washington; two sons, Michael Kjellsen (Bev Jensen) and Craig (Cindy) Kjellsen both of Arlington; two daughters, Paula Miller of Minnesota and Sonja Shetler (Richard) of Wyoming;  10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren two great–great–grandchildren and numerous relatives and friends.

 Mayo was preceded in death by his wife Joyce, his siblings Verlo, Marian, and LaVernehis son and daughter-in-law Gary and RoxAnne, and son-in-law Curtis Miller.

This respected man brought joy to his life and those around him.