Ruth E. Kluge

MONONA-Ruth Elaine Marie Kluge, age 82, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Sunday, July 17, 2016, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Thursday, Aug. 24, 1933, on a farm west of Fort Atkinson, the daughter of Elivina (Anderson) and Frank Smith. Ruth attended a one room school house west of Fort Atkinson. She graduated from Fort Atkinson High School in 1951. After graduating, she stayed home to help care for her ill father. Ruth met Dennise Kluge, the love of her life, at a Valentine dance in 1954. Before her father passed, he gave Dennise his blessing and told him to take good care of her. They were married on Aug. 20, 1955, and were blessed with three children, Dennise Edwin Jr., Ronald Frank and Yvonne Marie (Laube). Ruth is survived by her loving husband; three children and their spouses; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley Stork; three brothers-in-law, Roger Kluge, Donald Kluge and Kenneth Kluge; sister-in-law, Mary Huset; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Eugene Smith. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 26, 2016. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420