Charles J. Klueber 89, passed away Tuesday, December 24, 2019 at the Hospice House after a long-term illness of Alzheimer's.

Charlie was born to Laura Schmitt on February 4, 1930 in Chicago, IL. He lived in the Chicago suburbs in the early years of his life. He attended Marmion Military Academy in Batavia, IL before joining the United States Air Force in December of 1950. After basic training he was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base. He met and married his wife Irene Knapp while serving at Ellsworth. He served in the Marshall Islands during the hydrogen bomb testing in 1954.

Charlie and Irene returned to Aurora, IL after his discharge from the Air Force in 1954 then later returned to Rapid City. He worked for New Moon Homes in Rapid City and in Grand Island, NE. He returned to Rapid City and was employed by Black Hills Power and Light for 30 years. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and served as an usher for over 30 years never missing a Sunday unless he was out of town.

Charlie was an avid race car enthusiast and very seldom missed being at Black Hills Speedway every weekend for many years. He was quite the track star in his elementary school days winning many contests. His track record in the 100 yard dash held for over 20 years.

Charlie is survived by his wife Irene of Rapid City, one daughter, Lottie (Michael) Haviland of Carlin, NV, two grandsons Zane (Charity) of Salt Lake City, UT and Aaron (Sallie) of Japan, two granddaughters Kari and Lacy (Devlin) Bayne of Carlin, NV, nine great-grandchildren, two brother Rich (Phyllis) Klueber and Cliff (Donna) Kluber, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Charlie was preceded in death by his mother Laura Christnot, stepfather Joe Klueber, and brother Robert Klueber and one great grandson Andruw Lewis.

Christian funeral mass will be offered at 11 am on Friday, Jan. 10 at Blessed Sacrament Church with inurnment at 1:30 pm at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with full military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's research or to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.