Kenneth Kluge age 97, Died on Sunday, June 11, 2017 at the Columbia County Health Care facility. He was born on June 6, 1920 in Caledonia Township, Portage, to Albert & Grace (Simonson) Kluge. Ken attended the Fort Winnebago and Portage School Systems. In 1938 the family purchased the current farm in Fort Winnebago Township. In 1942 Ken entered the Army having service at Fort Bliss, Texas (Anti-Aircraft Artillery) during World War II. In 1944, he married Mary Joy Allen of Portage, and they had 4 children. Prior to and after Military service, Ken continued to work on the farm as well he worked at the Pardeeville Canning Factory, the Wehyenberg Shoe Factory in Portage and 3 years as a rural Mail Carrier before joining the Columbia County Highway Department. Ken retired from Columbia County after 40 years of service, and continued to farm in Fort Winnebago until 2011. From 2011 until the time of his death he resided at American Way Care Center (Portage) and Columbia Health Care Center (Wyocena). He always found great satisfaction in farming and his many Allis Chalmers tractors and machinery. He was often helping out area farmers with their crops, and enjoyed reminiscing with family and neighbors about farming or working "on the road". Ken was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son, sister- Betty Jean Bartels; and a special niece- Debra Bartels. He is survived by two sons, Gary Kluge, Biloxi, MS; Dennis (Marla) Kluge, Baraboo; a daughter- Patricia Manley of Endeavor; seven Grandchildren, Gary (Jackie) Shaffer, Gulfport, MS; Cathy Black, Mazomanie; Kenneth (Kelsey) Kluge, Anchorage, AK; Kory (Lenita) Kluge, Baraboo; Kelli Kluge, Baraboo; Charles (Karen) Manley, Westfield and Laura Manley, Portage. Additionally, 12 Great-Grandchildren, 1 Great-Great Grandchild, several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to the в??Alzheimer Association/South Central Wisconsin Chapter'. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday June 15, 2017 at the Kratz Funeral Home- Portage. Reverend Greg Hovland will be officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at the Silver Lake Cemetery, Portage, following the service. www.kratzfuneralhome.com Service Details. Visitation

Visitation at Kratz Funeral home 302 E. Conant

Portage, WI 53901

Visitation 10 till 11 a.m.

Thursday June 15, 2017

Service Kratz Funeral Home 302 East Conant St. Portage, WI 53901 at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Greg Hovland Interment Silver Lake Cemetery Portage, WI Memorial Contributions Alzheimers Association / South Central Wisconsin Chapter