James "Jim" Kluempke

James J. “Jim” Kluempke, age 78 of Grey Eagle, passed away Saturday, August 7, 2021 at his home on Big Birch Lake surrounded by his wife and children after a short but brave battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, August 16 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Grey Eagle with Rev. Ron Dockendorf officiating. Inurnment will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls where military honors will be provided.

Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday at the church in Grey Eagle.

James Joseph Kluempke was born January 16, 1943 in Melrose, Minnesota to Joseph and Mary (Gieske) Kluempke. He served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1964, stationed in Munich, Germany.  On July 12, 1969 he married Catherine Mohs at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose. After their marriage, they moved to Columbia Heights where they made their home for 49 years. Jim worked in the liquor and wine industry his entire working career. He was employed with Ed Phillips & Sons of Minneapolis/Johnson Brothers of St. Paul. Two years ago, Jim and Cathy moved to Grey Eagle to their lake home on Big Birch Lake. In the earlier years, Jim was very involved in his children’s sports and other activities and that same involvement continued with his grandchildren.

He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Grey Eagle.

Survivors include his wife, Cathy Kluempke of Grey Eagle; children, Keith (Cindy) Kluempke of Sauk Rapids, Karla (Gary) Mortensen of Albany, and Kirk (Allison) Kluempke of Brooklyn Park; grandchildren, Nolan and Owen Kluempke, and Kane Mortensen; siblings, Dave Kluempke of Big Birch Lake - Melrose, Nona (Larry) Knoblach of Plymouth, Dick (Rosemary) Kluempke of Portland, Oregon; sister-in-law, Carol Kluempke of Portland, Oregon, Tom (Judy) Kluempke of Melrose, Pat (Tracy) Kluempke of Stillwater, and George (Eva) Kluempke of Big Watab Lake - Cold Spring.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Joe Kluempke Jr; and sister-in-law, Ann Kluempke.

Serving as urn bearer will be Nolan Kluempke, cross bearer will be Owen Kluempke, and scripture bearer will be Kane Mortensen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to ALS ( Lou Gehrig's disease) Foundation.