James "Jim" A Kluegel

James “Jim” Kluegel, 93, of Spicer formerly of Lamberton, died peacefully November 24, 2024 at GlenOaks Care Center in New London with family at his side.   Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Spicer.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church.  Burial will be in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.    Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in New London. 

James “Jim” Aurit Kluegel, born August 2, 1931, in Mankato, to Detmer and Hazel (Aurit) Kluegel. He grew up in Lamberton and graduated from high school in 1949. In 1954, Jim earned degrees in Mortuary Science and Psychology from the University of Minnesota. Shortly after, he served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956, spending his service years stationed in France.

On August 6, 1957, Jim was united in marriage to, Carol Cullen. The couple made their home in Lamberton, where Jim ran the Kluegel Funeral Home in Lamberton and Sanborn and became the third-generation owner of Kluegel’s Furniture Store. He was deeply involved in the Lamberton community, operating the town ambulance service, participating in the Commercial Club and Lions Club, and serving on both the city council and the school board. Jim and Carol were also dedicated members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lamberton and later, Our Lady of the Lakes in Spicer.

In 1995, Jim and Carol retired to Green Lake in Spicer, where they cherished their summers. Winters were spent in Casa Grande, Arizona, enjoying the warmth and friendships there. They remained on Green Lake until 2022 before moving to Bethesda North Pointe in New London.

Jim had a passion for life and a love for hobbies that brought him joy. He enjoyed fishing, drawing, flying his own plane, and golfing—proudly achieving the rare accomplishment of a hole-in-one.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Carol; his children, Maureen (Greg) Shirley, Kathy (Steve) Saxvold, Barb (Nathan) Hanson, and Scott (Kate) Kluegel; his brothers, George and Spencer Kluegel; 12 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Detmer and Hazel.

Jim’s legacy is one of love, service, and community, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

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