Kenneth Kluesner Obituary

BLOOMINGTON – Kenneth “Kenny” L. Kluesner, age 88, passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at his home. Kenny was born on the family farm in Bloomington Township on November 11, 1936, the son of Alvina (Neuhaus) and Lawrence Kluesner. He was the sixth of seven siblings. Kenny went to St. Mary’s Catholic grade school and graduated from Bloomington High School in 1954. He dedicated his life to his faith, his community, and family. After high school Kenny worked at Bloomington State Bank, working his way up to the Board of Directors. He also was a contributor to the West Grant Lions Club and served on the Village Board.

Kenny was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Bloomington, where he served as usher for most of his adult life. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and in his later years he served as an honorary member. Kenny was very active in the church with his love, devotion and support. He also donated 200 units of blood and was very proud of that. Kenny was a charter member of the West Grant Rescue Squad. 

On May 15, 1957, Kenny married the love of his life, Joyce Esser. Joyce passed away in August of 1985. In 1989, he married Betty Brunker and became an instant father to her nine children. After twenty-three years, they separated. Kenny loved traveling. He thoroughly enjoyed going on Warco Bus trips, talking about the places he had seen and the people he had met. Kenny took pride in working in his backyard, showing off his knowledge as a Master Gardener in his backyard garden.

Kenny was a very witty fellow and people enjoyed being around him. He would spend his mornings at Ma’s Bakery in Bloomington, talking to people and learning where they were from, along with the locals. That was his social life.

In addition to his parents, and his wives, Kenny was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy (Alan) Taylor, brothers: Jim (Charlotte), Robert (Judy), Jack, and Clarence (Joanie) Kluesner.

Survivors include his brother, Ralph (Arlene) Kluesner, Darlington; sisters-in-law, Jeri Kluesner of Prairie du Chien and Ethel (Ray) Esser, Belleville; brother-in-law, Henry “Buzz” Esser, Prairie du Chien, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He will always be remembered for getting together with family at the Labor Day Picnic. Rest in Peace Kenny, you will be missed by many.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington with Father Mark Miller officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bloomington. In lieu of plants and flowers, the family suggests memorials be given in Kenny’s name to the West Grant Rescue Squad. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Bloomington is assisting the family.