John and James Kloehn's father. . .

Alfred Herman Rudolph Kloehn, 92, died February 4, 2011 at Knute Nelson in Alexandria.

Alfred was born October 16, 1918 in Ida Township to Gustav and Emma (Schramm) Kloehn. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Garfield. He attended school and also assisted in many chores on the family farm.

Alfred enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country for four years, four months and four days during World War II. He participated in the Battle of the Bulge and attained the rank of staff sergeant. When he came back to the United States, he was united in marriage on June 16, 1946 to Delores Wussow at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Leaf Valley. The couple then began their career of farming, which was a lifetime passion of Alfred’s where he enjoyed working with Jersey cows and John Deere tractors.

A man of many talents, Alfred was a member of the Ida Township Board, St. John’s Lutheran Church Council, and a 60-year member of the American Legion Post 87. They farmed near Garfield with four sons for many years and Delores became ill in 1976 and Alfred became her caregiver also. Delores died on April 21, 1994. Alfred continued to farm with his four sons on the farm, which he continued to do until he entered Knute Nelson on January 31, 2011.

Alfred is survived by his four sons James (JoEllen) of Brooklyn Center, John (Shirley Korkowski), David and Douglas (Norma); five grandchildren, Andrea (Nathan) Naef, Ashley (Julia) Kloehn, Laura (Mike) Spoo, Eric and Kyle Kloehn; and two great-grandchildren, Noah Kloehn and Alexander Naef.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Delores; brothers, Herbert, Rudy, Elmer, Robert and Hugo; and sisters, Flora Hupfer, Bertha Stark, Matha Timm and Della Linser.

A funeral service was held February 12 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Garfield with the Rev. Shawn Ethridge officiating. Music was provided by Elaine Beulke. Pallbearers were James Kloehn, John Kloehn, David Kloehn and Douglas Kloehn. Military honors were accorded by American Legion Post 87 (where he was a member for 60 years), Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 936 and the Minnesota National Guard Honors. Interment will be at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Garfield.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.