Richard Kluge

Richard Walter Kluge Sr., 73, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away April 21st, 2007, at Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center. He was born July 23rd, 1933, in Wichita, Kansas to William F. and Marie C. Kluge. He graduated in 1951 from St. Joseph’s Military Academy in Hays, Kansas. His college education began at Washburn University, but was interrupted by two years of service in the U.S. Army most of which he spent stationed in Germany. Richard returned from the service and was married June 9, 1956, to Jane Warburton. They recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. He graduated from Washburn University in January 1958 majoring in Business Administration. He accepted a position with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and continued to work for HUD for 39 years, including several years at their Reno, Nevada office, and two years at their Birmingham, Alabama office. Richard and his family moved back to Topeka, Kansas in 1971, where he continued to work for the Kansas City HUD office until his retirement in 1995. Retirement allowed Richard time to be involved in several organizations and volunteer activities. He was an active member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. He was also active in the 20/30 Club, served on the board of the Cosmopolitan Club, was a member of the Shawnee Country Club, and was involved as volunteer in the ERC Showhouse for several years. Richard was an avid Notre Dame fan, and he enjoyed sports, spending time with family and friends, and his dog, Garbo. Richard is survived by his wife Jane. Other survivors include a son, Rick, and a daughter-in-law, Valentia, and their two daughters, Kristen and Kayde, of Wichita, Kansas; and a daughter, Karen Edwards, and a son-in-law, Brian Edwards, and their daughter Tracy and son Ian, of Bison, Kansas. Richard is also survived by a sister, Ruth Griffith of Kimberling City, Missouri, a sister-in-law, Lauraine Kluge of Roanoke, Virginia, a sister- in-law, Sue Lockett and her husband, Tyler of Topeka, Kansas, as well as 10 nieces and nephews. Family will greet friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. today at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd, Topeka KS 66614. A prayer service will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Topeka KS. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Youth Department of the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library and Most Pure Heart of Mary Grade School, sent in care of the funeral home.

Richard Kluge

July 23, 1933 - April 23, 2007