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Derek Nathan Klingfus, 35, crossed over from medical complications on Monday, March 30, 2020 at St Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, Minnesota.

He was born on June 7, 1984, at St. Olaf Hospital in Austin, Minnesota, the son of Deaune (Dehler) and David Klingfus Jr. Derek was a natural athlete and played many sports in his youth. He loved hockey and played it into his high school years. He also had a passion for golf; he could be found teeing off from sun-up to sun-down. When he wasn’t playing golf, you would most likely find him in a boat casting a line. As much as he enjoyed these activities, his daughter, Aubrey, was his greatest joy of all. She was his pride and joy and cherished every moment with her. They spent many hours together in grandpa’s boat on Loon Lake, where he taught her how to fish, or in a golf cart cruising the course. His niece “Chez Inez” and nephew “Buster Brown” held a special place in his heart. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Derek is survived by his mom, Deaune Klingfus, Ely, Minnesota; sister, Danielle (Aaron) Nickolson, Ely; niece and nephew, Chezne and Ethan Nickolson, Ely; dad, David (Kim) Klingfus Jr., Austin; half-brother, Ian Klingfus, Austin; half-sister, Maggie Klingfus, Austin; maternal grandfather, Clark Dehler of Aurora, Minnesota; great-aunt, Carol (Harold) Siefert of Woodbury, Minnesota; special friend, Jen Hubbard, and her children, Logan, Maddie, Kaylee and Greyson of Gilbert, Minnesota; and aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends, including lifelong friends, Billy Cogger and Sigurd Noyes. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Aubrey; maternal grandmother, Anne Dehler; paternal grandfather, David Klingfus Sr.; and his feline companion, Wrigley.

As saddened as we are of this loss, we take comfort in knowing he has been reunited with the light of his life, Aubrey.

Due to the current shelter-in-place mandates, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials are preferred and may be sent to Vermilion Funeral Home, PO Box 445, Tower, MN 55790. Family services provided by Bauman-Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower, Minnesota. To share condolences online, please see www.baumanfuneralhome.com.