William Martin “Bill” Kluge, 85, of Belleville, IL, born December 3, 1936, in Belleville, IL, died Thursday, September 15, 2022, at Memorial Hospital East, Shiloh IL.
Bill retired after a long career in administration at Stag Brewery. After that, he took great pride in his position rehabilitating prisoners and beautifying the St. Clair County Jail as a corrections officer.
Quite the horticulturist, Bill’s green thumb afforded him the opportunity to own and operate Kluge Nursery. Unknown to many, Bill was a talented sketch artist. You could find him at his favorite watering hole, TR’s Place, especially on Thirsty Thursdays.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Joyce Ann, nee Isselhard, Kluge, whom he married on September 3, 1956; his parents, Irvin and Rosella, nee Gaubatz, Kluge; a son, Roland Kluge; a daughter, Kathleen Kluge; a sister, Joan (Herman) Compton; a brother-in-law, Roland Isselhard; and a nephew, Mark Isselhard.
He is survived by two granddaughters, Dr. Gabrielle Schwemmer (Gagnon), and Carly (Ryan) Newton;
five great-grandchildren, Jordyn (Dalton) Thomure, Madelyn, Camryn, and Lane
Schwemmer, and Kaden Newton;
nieces, nephews, and friends;
and his lap cat, Mew.
Memorials may be made to the family. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Matt Friz officiating.
Burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
The family requests that everyone wear their favorite Stag attire, in honor of Bill, and join them at TR’s Place with their cherished stories of Bill immediately following the burial.