James Henry Kluender

James Henry Kluender was born in Norfolk NE on October 17, 1945 to Walter Kluender and Mary (Foster) Kluender. He grew up on a family ranch at Sparks, NE and learned a lot of life lessons working the land and with livestock, particularly those lessons learned from working with family! During this time, there was a baseball league starting in Valentine and he developed a deep love of the sport and regretted never making or taking the time to play.
After attending high school in Valentine, NE he tried several things, but decided he wanted to be a truck driver, and was one of the original Cowboy Truckers. He drove for many companies but made the decision to buy his own truck & flat bed. He loved his purple Peterbuilt and got to see some of the most beautiful country going from coast to coast and border to border. Along the way, he found the best places to eat and met a lot of interesting people. One Christmas he had made the comment that he wished he would have taken the time to stop and see a professional baseball game, Tegwin & Trampas made eye contact, and it was a mission to get him to some games! In 2008 he drove into the yard in Edgemont & told his wife Linda, "I'm done." He and George Jones put over a million miles together earning him a truckers ring, and after 40 years he sold both and never looked back. Jim liked to hunt and collected several guns throughout the years, some were his pride and joy. He would regularly bring them to family reunion at cousin Casey's house where anyone and everyone could shoot them, he was one of 37 cousins!
Jim married Cheryl Neiman in 1971 and welcomed two children, daughter Tegwin and son Trampas.
He eventually reconnected with Linda Kenan and they married December 28, 1991, making their final home in Edgemont, SD around 1998. They were married for 33 wonderful years! Gaining another bonus daughter through his union with Linda, Dawn & her family brought Jim a lot of joy. The grandsons kept him on his toes and very entertained with all their antics whether it was school stuff, proms, hunting, rodeo, or demolition derby cars. They never ran out of things to talk & laugh about. He loved them with all his heart & was devastated at Chance's disappearance in 2019. He enjoyed his calls with his kids and learning what adventures they were all up to. He loved when his grandson Garrett was working close on a road construction job and got to come spend some time in Edgemont.
Jim was a good, God-fearing soul who had GREAT HAIR & took pride in his appearance. He had a love of good country music & enjoyed keeping their home and properties looking nice.
Jim passed through this world at age 79 on May 4, 2025 with his family around him at Monument Health in Rapid City.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walt and Mary Kluender; his brother Bob Kluender & grandson Chance Englebert (presumably) who vanished.
He is survived by his wife Linda, daughter Tegwin (Marty) Gracey of Stapleton, NE; son Trampas (Talli) Kluender of Grand Island, NE; daughter Dawn (Everett) Englebert of Edgemont SD; Grandchildren Miles (Emma) Englebert; Garrett Egle, Clay (Marya) Englebert, Aiden Kluender & Claire Kluender; Great Grandchildren Banks, Elaina, Tucker, Callan, soon to be Chancee in June, his brothers Bill and Larry (Jean) Kluender, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jim was very proud of his family and loved them all dearly.
There will be a graveside service at the Edgemont Cemetery on May 14, 2025 at 1:00. Following will be a light lunch, sweets and drinks at the United Church in Edgemont, SD.
In lieu of flowers-donations can be made to the Edgemont Volunteer Ambulance.
Jim passed away from COPD complications.