The Klinefelter Legacy: A Story of Faith, Family, and Forgiveness

by Andy Marso

St. Joseph, Minnesota, police officer Brian Klinefelter was gunned down on January 29, 1996, leaving behind a wife and infant daughter. His death in the midst of a crime spree by three local men shocked Central Minnesota. But the response of his family and others affected by that night's violence was just as surprising in its grace. Drawing on dozens of interviews and hundreds of pages of court records, The Klinefelter Legacy reveals never-before-published details about that night, and also what the family and others have done in the twenty years since to help themselves and the community heal.

208 pages, Paperback

Published January 15, 2017

Reviews

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given that I'm a friend of one of the Klinefelters and went to college near St. Joseph, I already knew this story. However, it's so much more than that. While it gives the details of that horrific night, it also shines as an example of what choices one can make after a tragedy. I literally couldn't put the book down and found that it affected me deeply (and positively). My heart goes out to the Klinefelters, Wendy, Katlyn and so many others in their community. I consider it a must-read as a way to help Brian's legacy live on.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written - liked the format and the way it was organized. I cried throughout so much of it, remembering what I read and saw on tv at the time. I worked with Greg’s wife, Jen, before this occurred and attended their wedding.

The way their family acted, with love, is amazing and inspiring. I appreciated the chapter regarding the pastors’ perspectives, and the Thomsen family. I feel sad for Nancy Wiggin and how shooting Kantor affected her.

The fact that Brian was taken away from this world is heartbreaking - a sad, sad tragedy.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good book...a wonderful book for those of us who remember the story. This book tells you the story behind what was on the "front page".

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve lived in MN my whole life but had not heard about Brian Klinefelter and his legacy. This book was really well written and a beautiful tribute to the man he was and the legacy the left behind.

[Grant Stadther · Rating 5 out of 5]

After going to the remembrance party for Brian on January 29 this year, I felt that I needed to learn more about this great man and the impact he had on his community. Being Greg Kilnefelter's nephew, the subject was often brought up within the family, but I still didn't know much about his story. On January 29 Brian Klinefelter was shot and killed by a man who had two accomplices after they robbed a liquor store. This is all I knew of this horrible happening. After reading this book I was given a very in-depth look at the effect that Brian had on his community and what happened that night. This book gives many different view points from the night, from Ruth Tamm (the liquor store worker at the time of the robbery), Brian's siblings, and Brian's wife and child. This was a beautifully crafted book telling a terribly sad story. I feel many should read this book to learn of the "Klinefelter Legacy".

[Lisa Moschkau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating to read something so local. Lived in St. Joe when it happened. Andy did a good job, well written.