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Kenneth L. Kluckhohn

1915 - 2007

Kenneth L. Kluckhohn, 92, a nearly lifelong resident of Klemme, died December 4, 2007 at Westview Care Center in Britt following a short illness. Services were held December 8 at Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ in Klemme with Rev. Donna Buckmann officiating. Burial with military honors was in Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme.

Kenneth was born February 17, 1915 in a house on 2nd Street in Klemme, the oldest son of Frank and Ann (Liljenberg) Kluckhohn. He attended school in Klemme and graduated in 1932. After graduation he worked at various jobs. In 1941 he enlisted in the Navy and served aboard the U.S.S. New Mexico. He served his country until 1945 and was honorably discharged as a Fire Patrolman 3rd Class.

On July 10, 1946 he married Caroline Schwartz in Cedar Falls. His best friend, Joseph West, talked him into joining the Civilian Conservation Corps. One of their many jobs included laying railroad tracks from Klemme to Belmond. Kenny very much enjoyed working alongside of Joe. For five years Kenny owned and operated the Klemme Shoe Shop, selling and repairing shoes. He eventually worked as the janitor and bus driver at the old and new Klemme schools. After retirement he and Caroline both worked at BMD in Klemme. He joined the Klemme Fire Department and was a volunteer for quite a few years.

He was a member of the Klemme American Legion and the Garner VFW. He was the adjutant for the Klemme American Legion for many years. He was a member of the UCC Church and served as an elder. His hobbies included calligraphy of old English letters, painting and gardening. In earlier years he had been a musician and was the master of ceremonies for the community movies that were held downtown. Kenny and Caroline would help people in town doing jobs such as painting, house cleaning, and cleaning yards. In recent years he enjoyed Congregate Meals.

In 1999 he was diagnosed with colon cancer. He was sent to the V.A. Hospital in Des Moines for surgery. He had been a cancer survivor until the time of his death. Caroline died in June 2006, and in August of that year he moved to Prairie View Apartments in Garner. He enjoyed visiting with the other residents and getting involved in activities.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother Franklin Kluckhohn; and sister Carmen Back.

Survivors include his daughter Carol Marchant and granddaughter Angie Kluckhohn, both of Klemme; grandson Jeffrey Marchant and special friend Susie Field; and nephew Randy (Monica) Olsen.

source: Belmond Independent, 11 Dec 2007

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