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Colonel Kluck Obituary
Whom many of you may recognize as sculptor, Bill Girard, is now on a new, amazing adventure with our Lord that began the morning of Thursday, June 25, 2020.
Bill is survived by his best friend and wife, Nancy; and their two children, Tamara Lee Brand and William Girard Kluck II. Bill loved his daughter and son-in-law, Mary Mauser Kluck and Bary Brand. He also adored his precious grandchildren, Dylan Kluck, Dailey Kluck, Phoebe Kluck, Luke Brand, and Jered Brand.
Bill was born in Reno, Nevada to Chester Lee and Helen Girard Kluck on Tuesday, May 12, 1936. He graduated from Kentucky Military Institute, Louisville, Kentucky in 1954. He was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Marketing from San Diego State University in 1958 and married his Chi Omega Sweetheart, Nancy Adelle Olds, November 23, 1958.
They began his military career with the US Air Force in December of 1958 and spent the next 23 years raising their family and traveling the globe. Bill retired in 1981 at the rank of full Colonel. His military decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Services Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal and the Royal Thailand Security Force Medal.
Bill's talents were many and he found both success and enjoyment in a wide range of interests. After his AF retirement he pursued a successful career as a sculptor. A master with his hands, Bill could turn a lump of clay into a smile, a laugh, a tear. He's left a legacy of beauty in his bronzes and stoneware.
Bill will receive Full Military Honors at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Donations can be given in his name to Tunnels to Towers, Doctors Without Borders, or to the American Cancer Society. Bill was a true patriot and Christian. He held firm that we should all honor and respect those that would go above and beyond to protect life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Please visit our online guestbook for Bill at
www.FrenchFunerals.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Colonel Kluck
1 Entry
Donald Ayres
June 28, 2020
Bill was a very special friend of mine since November 1968. When I returned from Vietnam at that time, I was assigned to his division at the General Electric Air Force Plant Representative in Evendale, OH. As my new boss he elevated my status as an officer and entrusted me with a great deal of responsibility with very little experience. Through his mentoring I succeeded and he saw to it that I was rewarded with a promotion to major, which I would not have otherwise received. Bill and I toured all of the General Electric jet engine plants in New England presenting a photographic display, through our personal experience, of how GE's engines were being used in combat in Vietnam. Bill's warm and sincere personality did a great deal towards raising the morale of thousands of wartime factory workers he greeted. After Bill retired from the Air Force and finished a very successful career in sculpturing, he saved his last two mini statues of Jesus' Ascension "GOING HOME" for my purchase. They are on my desk today and will be family heirlooms until Jesus returns. What a great and talented friend Bill was! Now he's gone home too.
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