June 14, 2022 at 1:26 p.m.
David J. Kluempke
Dave Kluempke, 86 of Melrose, died peacefully at home with family June 8, 2022.
A Mass of Christian burial was June 14 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose with the Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating. Interment was in the parish cemetery with military honors by the Melrose Veteran Honor Guard.
David Joseph Kluempke was born March 24, 1936, in Melrose to Joseph “Joe” and Mary (Gieske) Kluempke. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1955 and was honorably discharged in 1957. He married the love of his life, Ann Welle, April 11, 1964, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Meire Grove. The couple farmed north of Melrose until 1978, when they moved to New Munich to own and operate the New Munich Bus Service. He was a school bus driver for over 40 years.
He loved his family very much, and was a devoted husband, dad, grandpa, brother and friend. Spending time with his grandchildren was one of his greatest pleasures. He enjoyed his days on Big Birch Lake, flying, playing a good game of smear and having conversations with everyone he could. He loved spending time hunting and fishing and being a member of numerous organizations, Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, National Wildlife Turkey Federation and Minnesota Deer Hunters Association.
He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 1633 and the Lions Club. Dave was a faith-filled man. He was a member of both Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Munich and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose, lectoring at both parishes for over 30 years.
Survivors include his children, Mark (Shannon Spooner) Kluempke of Biloxi, Mississippi, Lori (John) Kluempke-Zarogoza of Knoxville, Tennessee, Shari (Matt) Rieland of Melrose; grandchildren Mack Zarogoza, Emily, James and Allison Rieland; step-grandchildren Mandy (Justin Harrington), Matt (Nicole) and Mike (Tamara) Zarogoza; siblings Nona (Larry) Knoblach of Plymouth, Dick (Rosemary) Kluempke of Tigard, Oregon, Pat (Tracy Lovness) Kluempke of Stillwater, and Willie (Eva) Kluempke of Cold Spring; and in-laws, Carol Kluempke of Portland, Oregon, Cathy Kluempke of Grey Eagle, Judy Kluempke of Melrose, Marie (Nick) Weyrens of Savage and Joan Dold of St. Michael.
Dave was preceded in death by his wife, Ann; children Brent Kluempke and infant Brent Kluempke; and brothers Joe Kluempke, Jr., Tom Kluempke and Jim Kluempke.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.
P-24-1B
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