Obert J. Klefstad

Obert J. Klefstad was a World War I Army veteran, longtime Stoughton businessman, and an active member of the American Legion who served as Commander of Stoughton’s Otis Sampson Post 59 for the 1932–33 term.

Born June 24, 1894, in Stoughton, Wisconsin, Klefstad entered the U.S. Army on May 26, 1918. He served as a Private First Class with the Motor Transport Corps, 479th A.E.F., during World War I and was honorably discharged on July 21, 1919.

After returning home, Klefstad became deeply involved in both the Stoughton business community and the American Legion. When he was elected Post Commander in October 1932, a local newspaper noted that he had already been “long identified with Legion work in Stoughton.” He succeeded Commander Paul F. Donahue.

During Klefstad’s term, Post 59 installed a full slate of officers that included Vice Commanders Percy Norness and Lyman Johnson, Adjutant Glenn Blakely, Finance Officer Charles Drotning, Service Officer Thomas J. Rippchen, Chaplain Theodore Rue, and Sergeant-at-Arms Harry Gullickson. His year as Commander also came during a period when the Post moved its patriotic quarters to Stoughton City Hall.

Outside the Legion, Klefstad built a long career in Stoughton’s furniture business. He became associated with George Ford in the Ford-Klefstad Company, dealing in furniture, rugs and home furnishings. Newspaper accounts show that Klefstad spent many years in the business, becoming a familiar part of Stoughton’s commercial community. When the Ford and Klefstad furniture store closed in 1953, Klefstad had been associated with the business for approximately 11 years.

Obert married Ada Hemsing on April 20, 1921. They raised two daughters, Doris and Marybeth, and remained part of the Stoughton community throughout their lives.

Obert J. Klefstad died September 24, 1973, at the age of 79. He was laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Stoughton. Ada followed him in death in 1983.

Klefstad's life reflected the generation of veterans who returned from World War I and continued serving their hometowns through their businesses, families, and organizations such as the American Legion. His leadership as Post 59 Commander in 1933 remains part of the early history of the Post.