Delbert Gordon Kluver, 74, Alexandria, died at his home on May 17, 2010 from congestive heart failure.
Delbert was born April 12, 1936 in Clara City to Henry and Taliena (Degrote) Kluver. He lived in Clara City for a few years before he and his family moved to Alexandria. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1955, serving in Germany until 1958. He returned to Alexandria and met the love of his life, Marilyn Johnson. Delbert and Marilyn were united in marriage on November 28, 1959 in Alexandria. They had five daughters, Gayle, Judith, Barbara, Denise and Janice.
Delbert farmed and raised his family on the Kluver family homestead. He also worked for Ludkes Wholesale Grocery for 25 years, driving delivery trucks. After his girls had graduated high school and college, Delbert and Marilyn moved to North Minneapolis, where he refurbished three homes in the metro area. After 12 years in Minneapolis, he retired and moved back to the family homestead by Alexandria. Delbert built a warm comfortable home for his whole family to come back to enjoy.
Delbert was a jack of all trades, always finding a way to fix what was broken or needed attention. He enjoyed landscaping; using fountains, ponds, and rock gardens to enhance the look of his work. He was a caring and loving husband, father and grandfather. Delbert was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. He had a strong influence on his children and grandchildren by reminding them to make good choices and to love the Lord. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Taliena Kluver; brother, Loranz Kluver; sisters, Lorraine Swenson, Mary Simonson, Minnie Taft and Evelyn Gades; granddaughters, Megan Johnson and Erin Johnson.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Marilyn Ann (Johnson) Kluver; daughters, Gayle Ann Kluver, Judith Christine Hunke, Barbara Jo (Timothy) Schjei, Denise Marie (James) Kraft, and Janice Lena (Kevin) Johnson; grandchildren, Nye Hunke, ReAnna Hunke, Ashley Hunke, Teila Schjei, Mariah Schjei, Adam Schjei, Austin Kraft and Amelia Kraft; brothers, Simon (Vera) Kluver, Roger (Joan) Kluver, James (Rosemary) Kluver, Marlow Kluver; sisters, Grace Stromen, Sally (Elmer) Benjaminson, Joyce Yittre and Doris (Dean) Olson.
A funeral service was held Friday, May 21 at Lakes Community Church in Alexandria with Pastor Ron Berget officiating. Pastor Dale Anderson gave the message. Jon Gaugert was the song leader and Doris Anderson sang special music during the funeral service. Inurnment was at Hudson Cemetery. Casket bearers were Kevin Johnson, Jim Kraft, Duff Hunke, Tim Schjei, Rick Kluver and Lee Gylsen. Honorary casket bearers were Roland Trousil, Joe Marshall, Nye Hunke, Austin Kraft and Adam Schjei.
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Lorlee comments:
This is for Delbert Kluver -- the Kluvers of our country school. I knew there were a lot of kids, didn't realize there were 14 -- and so sad to see that several are gone including Evelyn and Mary -- two that I remember. Sweet Mary.
I think the ones I knew were the youngest. Marlow started in our grade, and Roger, I think, was the youngest. I remember Evelyn, Joyce, Mary, Doris, Marlow, Roger and I think Jimmy. but then I may be confusing him with Jimmy Navratil (who was married to Wanda Myers from our class -- he is gone as well.)
Sounds like Delbert made quite a good life for himself and his family.
Lorlee
Delbert farmed and raised his family on the Kluver family homestead. He also worked for Ludkes Wholesale Grocery for 25 years, driving delivery trucks. After his girls had graduated high school and college, Delbert and Marilyn moved to North Minneapolis, where he refurbished three homes in the metro area. After 12 years in Minneapolis, he retired and moved back to the family homestead by Alexandria. Delbert built a warm comfortable home for his whole family to come back to enjoy.
Delbert was a jack of all trades, always finding a way to fix what was broken or needed attention. He enjoyed landscaping; using fountains, ponds, and rock gardens to enhance the look of his work. He was a caring and loving husband, father and grandfather. Delbert was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. He had a strong influence on his children and grandchildren by reminding them to make good choices and to love the Lord. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Taliena Kluver; brother, Loranz Kluver; sisters, Lorraine Swenson, Mary Simonson, Minnie Taft and Evelyn Gades; granddaughters, Megan Johnson and Erin Johnson.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Marilyn Ann (Johnson) Kluver; daughters, Gayle Ann Kluver, Judith Christine Hunke, Barbara Jo (Timothy) Schjei, Denise Marie (James) Kraft, and Janice Lena (Kevin) Johnson; grandchildren, Nye Hunke, ReAnna Hunke, Ashley Hunke, Teila Schjei, Mariah Schjei, Adam Schjei, Austin Kraft and Amelia Kraft; brothers, Simon (Vera) Kluver, Roger (Joan) Kluver, James (Rosemary) Kluver, Marlow Kluver; sisters, Grace Stromen, Sally (Elmer) Benjaminson, Joyce Yittre and Doris (Dean) Olson.
A funeral service was held Friday, May 21 at Lakes Community Church in Alexandria with Pastor Ron Berget officiating. Pastor Dale Anderson gave the message. Jon Gaugert was the song leader and Doris Anderson sang special music during the funeral service. Inurnment was at Hudson Cemetery. Casket bearers were Kevin Johnson, Jim Kraft, Duff Hunke, Tim Schjei, Rick Kluver and Lee Gylsen. Honorary casket bearers were Roland Trousil, Joe Marshall, Nye Hunke, Austin Kraft and Adam Schjei.
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Lorlee comments:
This is for Delbert Kluver -- the Kluvers of our country school. I knew there were a lot of kids, didn't realize there were 14 -- and so sad to see that several are gone including Evelyn and Mary -- two that I remember. Sweet Mary.
I think the ones I knew were the youngest. Marlow started in our grade, and Roger, I think, was the youngest. I remember Evelyn, Joyce, Mary, Doris, Marlow, Roger and I think Jimmy. but then I may be confusing him with Jimmy Navratil (who was married to Wanda Myers from our class -- he is gone as well.)
Sounds like Delbert made quite a good life for himself and his family.
Lorlee
