[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 66 (Monday, April 24, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S5571]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  TRIBUTE TO STATE SENATOR LES KLEVEN

  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, last week South Dakota lost a great 
public servant, State Senator Les Kleven. Les lost a brave and 
courageous fight against cancer. His leadership and innovation will be 
greatly missed.
  A native of North Dakota, Les moved to Sturgis, SD, in 1962 to start 
KBHB radio station. Under his direction and leadership, KBHB grew to 
become one of the premier radio stations in western South Dakota. To 
this day, it remains an important source of news, information, and 
entertainment to thousands of listeners in western South Dakota and 
nearby States. Over the years, Les often had his station broadcast live 
the meetings I held in the Sturgis area on agricultural disasters, the 
farm bill, and other important issues. I always appreciated his 
valuable advice on issues important to the South Dakota broadcast and 
radio industry, as well as many other issues.
  Les was a past president of the South Dakota Broadcasters 
Association. His love for South Dakota and service to the State did not 
begin and end with radio. He served three terms in the South Dakota 
State House of Representatives in the 1970's. In 1992, Les was elected 
to the South Dakota State Senate. Of course, much as he did on the air 
waves, he significantly affected South Dakota political currents. 
Throughout his career as a member of the South Dakota State 
Legislature, Les distinguished himself as a leader and fiscal 
conservative. His constituents and his colleagues knew him to be 
independent, straightforward, and fair. Indeed, his contributions to 
the State of South Dakota will long be remembered.
  Most important, Les was a family man. Though all who knew Les held 
him in high respect and admiration, none could be more proud of him 
than his mother Alice, his lovely wife, Marguerite, and his two 
children, Andy and Jazal.
  Les Kleven's honesty and integrity will be greatly missed. His 
accomplishments as a radio innovator, a State legislator, and a proud 
father provide an inspiring example of the South Dakota spirit--a man 
who gave to his profession, his community, his State, and to his 
family. Les was a family man, a pillar of the community, and a good 
friend.
  We will all miss him.
  (At the request of Mr. Daschle, the following statement was ordered 
to be printed in the Record.)

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