Search by Name

Search by Name

Michael John Klug

1954 - 2023

BORN

1954

DIED

2023

Michael Klug Obituary

Michael John Klug, 68, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a little over a year ago and died peacefully as his wife and daughter held his hands on Monday, March 13, 2023. He was born in Milwaukee, Wis., on May 2, 1954, to Millie Girard. He was adopted and raised by Marie and Frank Klug. He earned an associate of arts degree from Concordia College and a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Saint Louis University (SLU). While at SLU, he enrolled in a course in art history with Father McNamee which sparked a lifelong love of learning about sacred art and iconography. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1984 and dedicated 40 years to helping people understand and use their Medicare rights. In 2010 he met his birth mother, his half-brother, Darrell Heathcock, and half-sister, Mary Lunde. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Mercedes Bern-Klug; his daughter, Cora Bern-Klug (born the day the Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl!); beloved cousins, Ruth Price and family and Diane LaCourt and family, Milwaukee, Wis.; and soul-brother, Bob "Wags" Wagner, St. Paul, Minn.; among many others. The family thanks the UI Cancer Center, UIHC, UI Rehab Hospital and Iowa City Hospice for excellent care. No flowers please. Mike was a supporter of American Friends of Chartres Cathedral, Washington, D.C.; The Center for Medicare Advocacy, Willimantic, Conn.; and Trinity Episcopal Church, 320 E. College St., Iowa City, where his funeral service will be held at noon Monday, March 20. Reception to follow. Private burial at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Mar. 16, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Klug

Not sure what to say?





Jerry Krause

July 9, 2024

Dear Mercedes and family,

It is with great sadness I´ve recently learned of Mike´s passing. As a law school classmate and fellow traveler as an LAIP intern to the Green Bay Correctional Institution, we became close friends. Although I only saw him a few times-when you living in D.C. and Kansas City-I´ve thought of him often with much fondness. I know of few classmates who dedicated their lives championing on behalf of those who were less fortunate. I´m sorry that you have lost in Mike such a compassionate and humble soul. The larger world is also lesser a place without him.

Beth Ann Pittman

March 12, 2024

Mike's grilling skills were appreciated greatly when he, Meche and Cora lived in Kansas City, MO. Was a blessed time. Miss you, Mike, knowing you love heaven and watching over us all.

Single Memorial Tree

Beth Berding Pittman

Planted Trees

Mary Dickie

June 1, 2023

So sorry for your loss. Im so glad I got to meet my half brother. and learn more about him. Prayers sent.

Amy Erickson

May 12, 2023

Merce and Cora, we will miss Mike´s Epiphany letter, a true expression his his love of life and details of your family´s adventure in life! He was a truly joyous soul. Our sincerest condolences! Stay well friends.
Amy and Angelo

BethPittman

April 7, 2023

Mike was a gentleman, excellent at the bbq grill. So appreciate his time living in Kansas City, MO; mostly, his devotion to his family. Love you, Meche and Cora!

Karen P Kiernan

March 24, 2023

Charles Clarkson

March 21, 2023

As Project Director of the Senior Medicare Patrol of NJ, I always turned to Mike to help with difficult issues. He was always willing to assist. The SMP program and all his colleagues will miss him.

katie allison

March 17, 2023

Merc and Cora.... my dear neighbors and friends - i am sending my love to you. Mike was one special very person - I love when we were neighbors - that was a special time in Brookside. Mike was a gentle doer. I so loved the way he thought - he faced this diagnosis with such courage. He live his life with honor - he loved his family. sending my love katie

Darren Hotton

March 16, 2023

I am so sorry for your loss BUT very grateful to you for sharing Michael with us. His love and compassion to make sure Medicare beneficiaries received all the benefits they deserved and a staunch defender of underserved populations. I cherished my time with him and will always remember the example he set for us in the Medicare community. Thank you again for allowing him to be in our lives.
Darren Hotton - Utah SHIP Director

Shannon R Jones

March 16, 2023

Mike was instrumental in my work with TN SHIP/SMP and understanding Medicare benefits. He will be greatly missed.

Estel Abramo

March 16, 2023

Dear Merce and Cora,
We are so sorry that Mike
has passed away. Mike
was a wonderful
brother-in-law and a great
source of inspiration for
our family. We loved him
very much. We have
wonderful memories of
Mike, which we will cherish
forever.
May God bless you, now
and forever.
Love,
Estel. Ken, and Steven.
The Abramo family.

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

Make a Donation
in Michael Klug's name

Memorial Events
for Michael Klug

Mar

20

Funeral service

12:00 p.m.

Trinity Episcopal Church

320 E. College St, Iowa City, IA

How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Michael Klug's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more