On January 6, 2017, Charles Kelly Kluver unexpectedly passed away from natural causes while doing what he loved – tending to his cattle within the vast, open country alongside eastern Montana’s Rosebud Creek and under its majestic skies. Kelly was 61 years old.
Kelly was born in Forsyth, Montana on April 18, 1955 to Elmer “Red” and Patty Kluver. Kelly grew up with his three siblings – Karson, Kirby and Colleen – immersed in the magnificent and humbling challenge of the ranching lifestyle – riding horseback, checking cows, branding, starting colts, and living off the land. He spent his summers in the saddle atop Sparky, Brandywine and Rifle, as well as in the hay fields. It was a rich life for a young boy. When he graduated from high school in 1973, Kelly was offered a full ride academic and football scholarship to Montana State University, which he turned down in favor of his Cowboy life.
When he wasn’t with his wife, Barbara, their children and grandchildren, Kelly enjoyed the company of his cows, horses and dogs. When he was not among his animals, he read. A scholar at heart, Kelly read many books about history, the West, and animal husbandry. A gentle and intelligent man, Kelly prided himself on his study and application of conformation – the degree to which an animal’s anatomy conforms to a certain standard for its breed. Kelly’s attention to detail and his love for the outdoors contributed to his interest in hunting and steadfast marksmanship. He also enjoyed collecting items of the Old West, and had a special skill for finding cast iron pans and coffee grinders.
Kelly’s grandchildren will always remember Papa Kelly for his scrumptious macaroni & cheese, his laughter during games of “Chase” or “Annie-I-Over”, his warm, loving hugs and his broad, knowing smile. Kelly loved his family, adored his animals and was grateful for the land on which he lived. He led a more virtuous and humble life than most.
Kelly was preceded in death by his parents, Red and Patty Kluver, and his nephew, Trevor Johnson. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Needham; son, Tanner (Felix) Bell of Hinsdale, Montana; step-daughter, Prairie (Ryan) Topp of Grace City, North Dakota; and step-daughter, Dakota (Lane) Meeks of Bozeman, Montana; grandchildren Lauren, Mariah and Logan Topp, Ryen and Hailen Meeks, and Cecilia, Margaret, Audrey, Cathryn, and Tanner Jr. Bell; and siblings Karson (Marie) Kluver of Forsyth, Montana, Kirby (Frieda) Kluver of Forsyth, Montana, and Colleen (Tom) Johnson of Bozeman, Montana, along with many nieces and nephews. Kelly will truly be missed.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. in Miles City at Stevenson & Son’s Funeral Home, 1717 Main Street, Miles City, Montana 59301. A reception will follow. Condolences can be sent to the family in care of Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions are directed to any association supporting Veterans.
Deryl & Tracee Waples says
Barb and family, we are very sorry for your loss. If there is anything that we can do please do not hesitate to call on us. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sandy White says
Barb and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Kelly. Losing someone we love is never easy. We just have to be thankful that we were able to be a part of their lives and able to share so many memories and life experiences. Allow the love of your family and friends to lift and comfort you in this time of grief. I pray that God will grant you the serenity and peace that you need to get through this. Stay strong and know that many are remembering you in our thoughts and prayers. This saying was of comfort to me when Den passed away: “What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us.” -Helen Keller I know this is true because Den is very much a part of me.
Bub and Carlene Gaskill says
Condolences to the Kluver family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Grace Larson says
Barbara,I am so saddened to hear of your husband’s death.With prayers for you to have the strength to get through this one hour,one day at a time.Memories help to heal.With Love & Prayers.Grace
Shelly Foos says
Barb – You are in my prayers, my dear. I am so saddened. Stay strong, Kelly will always be beside you.
Bill and Rita FitzGerald says
To all of Kelly’s family–Our thoughts are with you all! It is so hard to believe that someone so vibrant and fun loving is no longer with us! He will be missed.
Roger & Bonnie Sprague says
Dear Barb and family, Roger and I are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Kelly’s passing. Our thoughts and hearts are with you all. We, like so many others are here for you should you need absolutely anything or help around the ranch. Hang on to all your wonderful memories as they will keep you strong.
Norman Anderon says
My condolences to all the Kluver families.
Chris and Diana Elwood says
We are shock and sad to hear about Kelly, but what a way to go, doing what he loved. Please know that all the family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Chris and Diana
Heidi Beals McClain says
Dear Barbara, Karson, Kirby and Colleen,
Our hearts break for you at this sad time as you remember Kelly, your dear husband or brother. We know that we are never ready to say goodbye to the one we love, but may you know that we are keeping you in our prayers and may you hold close those special memories that only you have of Kelly. He will always be with you and please know that he is once again with Red and Patty and they are embracing him.
With our deepest sympathy,
Debby, Wendy, Heidi and Mark Beals
Andy and Gayla Kukes says
To the entire Kluver family our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sandy Kluver Gomez & Larry Gomez says
Our condolences to each family member in the Kluver family during this most unexpected loss of your husband, father, grandfather and brother. Trust unto the Lord for strength, understanding and comfort. He will carry you through the following moments, hours, days and weeks. Kelly will live on in your heart as you remember many special times shared together. Thinking of each of you with love.
Doug and Debbie Skiles says
Barb, Karson, Kirby and Colleen and families,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers!
Danny & Tonda Kluver says
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May you be comforted by your memories.
Dodie Paxson says
It is with a heavy heart I post this offering my condolences to the Kluver Family. What a shock this is to everyone. Cling to your many memories and know Kelly is now with his dad, mom and Trevor looking down on you all. May you all find peace in the trying days ahead. Hugs to all!
Dee Dee Topp says
Prairie, Ryan and family, our thoughts and prayers. May all the memories help with the healing process. Rollie and Dee Dee Topp
William H. Smoot,M.D. says
we are so sorry to hear about kelly my son and I so much enjoyed coming to the ranch and see kelly each fall
Sylvester Knows His Gun says
Karson, Kirby, Colleen, and loved ones of Kelly, I’m very sorry for your great loss. I’ve had occasion to visit with Kirby from time to time, and still remember Karson and Colleen from “ancient” Colstrip High School days. I didn’t have the privilege of getting to know Kelly, but the above obituary describes a precious gem of an individual, and my heart goes out to the family during this sad time. Hope you draw close to Jesus, who carried our sorrows.
Jim and Ann Wells says
Barb and the rest of Kelly’s family,
We are so sorry for your loss, and will miss seeing Kelly’s smiling face going about his daily chores on the creek.
Martha Crandall says
my sympathy
Rand Young says
My sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the family of Kelly Kluver. Kelly not only was a fellow classmate in high school, but a very good and faithful friend. God’s speed Kelly.
Linda Littlewolf says
Barb and Colleen – I was so sorry to hear about Kelly. Condolences and prayers to the family. Kelly was a special person and will be greatly missed.
John Smoot says
Barb, Karson and family,
I am very sorry to hear about Kelly. It was good to see him at the ranch this fall. I will think of him riding the range with Patty.
Sara Young says
Condolences to all Kelly’s family and friends. He was a genuine cattleman who loved the land, his animals and Barb as well as his family. He was one of the hardest working fellows around and is now at rest. I enjoyed many wonderful visits with Barb and Kelly over the years and he was always a good listener and a man of few words but always made you feel like he enjoyed the visit. Rest in Peace Kelly.
Charlie and Terri Brown says
Our condolences and heart felt sympathy go out to the Kluver families.
Wayne and Kathleen Olson of Billings, MT and Gloria Olson Coutts of Red Lodge says
The Kluver family always had a special place in the hearts of our parents, Perry and Lucy Olson. Those same feelings hold true for us. We are so very sorry to hear of Kelly’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Debbie Bixby-Farwell says
I went to high school with Kelly at Colstrip High School. He will be remembered with fond memories. I know his brothers and sister and my condolences go out to you all. Kelly rest in Peace.
Queeda Ferguson says
Very sad to hear this. Eaton kids have lots of good memories of growing up near the Kluver family. Many great stories. My first job was for Tom, picking up shingles. Reo got his first paycheck from Patty after helping ride/brand. Danny and I were allowed to bow hunt on the ranch after we got enough courage to ask!! Dad and Kelly are now telling stories and laughing and riding good horses. Bless you all and remember the good times!! Queeda & Dan, Brittney, Reo and June. Tim Quinn also sends his condolences. He has many wonderful stories and memories of Kelly and family.
Helen Johnsen Deines says
Marie and Carson; Mom and I send our prayers for you with the loss of your brother. We are so sorry.
Doug and Cherie Heser says
To all of Kelly’s family, we are so sorry about his death — too young But we are glad that he was doing what he loved and that you have so many warm, wonderful memories of him.
We’re sorry to miss his funeral, but Doug is feeding cattle and choring at the Radeen Place and unable to get away. We wish you comfort and want you to know that you are in our prayers.
LeeAnn Lees says
I was shocked to hear about Kelly’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the Kluvers.
Arn and Connie Huseby says
Dear Kluver Family,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved Kelly.
Our prayers are with you all.
Lynn Holland says
Sorry to hear of Kelly’s passing.
Thoughts and prayers to all Kluver families.
Lynn
Jack & Kris Crocker says
Our condolences to the Kluver Family. Kelly was a special person.
Charlee Kuhbacher says
Dad said he just saw Kelly at the Corner Store in Broadus a few weeks ago…he said he always thought Kelly was a good friend and guy…The Slug and Poppy Mills Family sends their Condolences….
Joy Peters says
Kelly Kluver…young brother of Karson, Colleen & Kirby….that’s how I remember him, along with his big grin. Proud to have known Kelly in school.
With sincere sympathy & prayers for each of Kellys family. Thinking of you all.
Dale White says
My deepest condolences 2 Barb and the entire Kluver family..I was a classmate and friend of Kellys and he will be terribly missed..rest in peace my friend..
Roxie and Calvin Wilson says
Barbara,
Cal and I were so sorry to hear of your loss. We know how much you loved each other and heard stories of all the adventures you went on in your time together. I remember how happy you were together and how connected your spirits became when we worked together at the middle school. We just want you to know that if you need anything please ask we will be more than willing to help.
Colleen, Kirby, and Karson
We send our condolences and pray that you can get through the loss of your brother. Remember all the memories on the ranch together and most likely all the pranks you played on each other. May God bless you and help you through this hard time.
Karen fogg says
Colleen, Carson, Kirby;
Dave and I are sorry for your loss. We loved his smile which peppered our many conversations in Party’s kitchen. Barbara, I wish we had been there for your wedding.
With sadness,
Karen and Dave
Audrey Bell says
I miss him so much. I miss the way he would laugh and we would joke around. When i went swathing with him we had fun, we seen a weasel or ferret like thing that was black jump across the hay, it was something. I loved him and miss him.