MARLIN KLUGE

Marlin H. Kluge, after 96 years of clinging to the Old Rugged Cross exchanged it for a crown on January 5, 2023.  Now face to face with Jesus, the rich deep voice which once joined his childhood family on their Dale farm house porch, singing hymns on Sunday so loud the neighbors heard them across the fields, now sings in the presence of the one who gave him breath itself.

Born August 18, 1926 to Paul Sr & Anna Kluge.  Baptized September 12, 1926.  Confirmed May 18, 1941 at St Pauls Lutheran Church, Dale, WI.  Confirmation Verse:  Psalm 103:13 Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.

Marlin, a WWII veteran, joined the US ARMY in 1945 serving as military police in Austria.  He loved the flag and made a wrinkle free bed most of his life.  

Marlin married Ellen Dorow on May 28, 1949 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Hortonville.  He honored his marriage vows of 66 years 8 months, lovingly caring for Ellen especially in her final years.  Even in his 90s when he sat alone and his hearing failed, his church attendance never faltered.

Although always a farmer at heart, he worked at Kimberly Clark, Lakeview plant, Neenah for 40 years retiring in 1987.  He was a kind hearted, hardworking, generous, humorous, loving man who often made us chuckle.

He enjoyed life in the garden, exercising, polka dancing, farming, fish fries and weekends at his daughters farmette where his son in law affectionately called him Chief, arriving with donuts in hand.  Above all he loved his family.

Marlin is survived by his daughter Judith (Kenneth) Kemp. Grandchildren: Chad (Brooke) Kemp, Jill (Greg) Unser. Great Grandchildren: Kaden & Kameron Kemp, Jacob, Erica & Ashlynn (Peanut) Unser.  Brother: Paul.  Sister in laws: Mildred, Charlotte, Diane, Karen.  Proceeded in death by his wife Ellen.  Brothers: Victor, Leo, Reno, Sylvester (who died as a baby and just met for the first time).  Sisters:  Norma, Gertrude, Dorothy, Alma, Wahneta.  Brother in laws: Albert, Leo, Victor, Orville, Sonny, Kenneth, Arlyn, Marvin, Ronald, Leslie.  Sister in laws:  Celia, Millie, Betty, Elaine.

Thank you to the loving staff at St. Paul Elder Care for caring for Marlin for several years.

The funeral service for Marlin will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Martin Luther Lutheran Church, 436 S Lake St Neenah.  A visitation will take place at church from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of service.

Let your deep voice boom in worship once again in heaven my sweet Dad.  You loved us so well.  Your humor and love will be missed but we tucked lots of memories away and we'll hold on to Jesus and see you later where there is joy unspeakable and full of Glory!