Loren Wayne Klemke

Loren Wayne Klemke, 87, of Duluth MN, passed away on Aug 14, 2020. He was born in Grand Haven, MI to Freda and Albert Klemke on June 21, 1933.

Loren had many stories about growing up in Grand Haven, MI. He loved summer vacations, being in the woods, and swimming in Lake Michigan with his many friends. His family moved to Unity, WI, where they had a dairy farm. He loved the area, living on the farm, and hunting with his brother, Larry.

Loren decided that farm life was not for him and enlisted in the Air Force in June 1951. He started his Air Force career with dreams of being a tail gunner on a B29 and after basic training he volunteered for EOD. He trained at Indian Head Training Division in Maryland and graduated as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician. He went on to serve his country overseas at the tail end of the Korean War, including several tours in the Vietnam War. He retired as a Master EOD Master Sergeant.

Loren went on to continue his education and received his College Education with an Associates of Art Degree from Saint Leo College in Florida 1974. He retired from the Air Force in June 1974, and pursued a career with the Unites States Postal Service until he retired in April 1996. 

While stationed at Grand Forks AFB Loren met Arlene Kempel in Grand Forks, ND while she was going to business school. Soon after, they married in Wales, ND on June 20, 1959. They had three children and had so many great times together as a military family, travelling the world; they never knew where they would move next. Loren and Arlene enjoyed all their travels and moves, spending time with family in ND and Unity, WI, going to Leech Lake, and spending time with their grandchildren, whom they loved so much. They celebrated 34 years together before she passed away in Oct 1993.

Loren met Beverly Elliot at a time when they needed each other. They decided to marry in Oct 1996 and enjoyed traveling spending time with their families. They always made time for ALL the families and many grandkids. They were together all the time, either sitting on the back deck talking, or walking their puppy Molly, whom they both dearly loved. Loren and Bev celebrated 24 years together.

Loren lived a full life and loved to fish and hunt. He always said, “Fishing is hard work, but someone has to do it!” with a laugh and a smile. He was adventurous and enjoyed many memorable hunting and fishing trips with his family. He loved history, particularly WWll. He also loved telling stories, and could tell stories better than anyone. He loved spending time with his beloved pups, Kodie and Molly. Going for a daily hike in the woods behind his house or a drive up to Pike Lake was something he cherished.

Loren is preceded in death by his first wife, Arlene Klemke; parents; brother, Larry; and his special pups, Kodie and Molly.

Loren is survived by his children, Deb (Jerry) St.Marie, Mike (Terri) Klemke, and Dave Klemke; grandchildren, Jason (Maigan) St.Marie, Justin (Dani) St.Marie, Tom Klemke, and Jake Klemke; and great-grandson, Kai St.Marie.

He is also survived by his wife, Beverly Klemke; her two daughters, Jane (Mike) Fest and Shannon (Scot) Johnson; and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Primrose in Duluth MN, New Perspective in Cloquet MN, Cloquet Memorial Hospital, and St. Luke’s Hospital for all the care provided to Loren. You are all true heroes and angels.

Private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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