Incident
Warden Kleist was killed in an automobile accident while pursuing game violators.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Conservation Warden Kleist served with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Thank you for your service to the Madison community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Conservation Warden Kleist.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has lost 15 officers; 10 of them lost to accidents.
Michael is one of 125 officers lost to accidents in WI, 39.3% of the 318 remembered there.
Michael is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Michael is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1924, 2 officers at Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources were lost to accidents, more than in any other year.
In 1924, 2 officers in WI were lost to accidents, the 15th heaviest of 72 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 5.
In 1924, 86 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 18th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1924, 98 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 23rd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Michael was 51. Of the 8 lost to accidents at Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources whose age is recorded, half were between 38.3 and 48.8; the middle age was 43.
Michael was 51. Of the 101 lost to accidents in WI whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 45; the middle age was 34.
Michael was 51. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36.
Michael was 51. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
July holds 50% of these deaths at Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, more than any other month. Mondays: 20%.
July holds 16.8% of these deaths in WI, more than any other month. Mondays: 10.4%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
July holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 13.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 66.7% of all 15 deaths at Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 20% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 39.3% of all 318 deaths in WI, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 10.4% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
His people
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has 15 officers remembered here, Michael among them.
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James Blaine Carter
Jul 30, 1923
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Michael Kleist Jul 14, 1924
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John Kupper
Aug 1, 1924
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Alfred P. Vanderkelen
Nov 6, 1928
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Einar Johnson
May 17, 1929
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William A. Riebe Jun 19, 1930
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Edgar L. Alderman
Jul 22, 1933
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Albert Lee Jul 18, 1934
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Fred Haag Jul 23, 1935
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Albert E. Reif
Nov 18, 1942
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Mark H. Russell, Jr.
May 21, 1955
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Robert B. Markle
May 8, 1966
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Neil L. LaFave
Sep 24, 1971
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Andrew A. Krakow
Jun 5, 1990
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Patrick Douglas Warner
May 24, 1993
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 13-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
14 officers from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are honored on badge.nw.










