Obituary - Ralph T. Kluss

Ralph T. Kluss, 73, owner of Kluss Appliance

Ralph Theodore Kluss, a Lewiston appliance store owner, died Tuesday at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston from complications of pneumonia. He was 73.

He was born Feb. 1, 1923, at Moscow to Rudolph and Emma Manderfeld Kluss. He was educated at the Ebel School, a country school at Genesee. He attended Genesee High School and Kinman Business University at Spokane.

He joined the U.S. Navy in January 1941 and sailed aboard the USS Enterprise, a large aircraft carrier, from September 1943 to April 1946. He received 13 Battle Stars for his involvement in approximately 25 separate engagements against the Japanese during World War II.

After his discharge, he married Eileen Funke in June 1946 at Ferdinand. They settled in Lewiston.

He worked for the Lewiston Motor Company, DeLisle Motors, Largent's appliance store and Montgomery Ward before opening Kluss Appliance in Lewiston in 1962. At the time of his death, he was still active in his business.

He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Parish at Lewiston, the Knights of Columbus, the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, the American Legion and was a life member of the Lewiston Elks Lodge.

Kluss was active in the community on many occasions, serving as grand knight of the Knights of Columbus, chairman of downtown merchants committees and on various committees assisting charitable organizations.

During his younger years he coached Little League Baseball for his three sons. He also enjoyed playing golf, traveling, gardening and playing bridge.

He is survived by his wife at their Lewiston home; two daughters, Sister Mary Frances Kluss of Spokane and Judy Bean of Lewiston; three sons, Ed Kluss of Portland, and Jim Kluss and Bob Kluss, both of Lewiston; one brother, Harold Kluss of Genesee; and eight grandchildren.

A vigil service and rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. The Rev. James Wilson will officiate. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday at Our Lady of Lourdes.

Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home at Lewiston is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to St. Stanislaus Tri-Parish Catholic School, 641 Fifth Ave., Lewiston 83501 or to the Idaho Elks Rehabilitation Hospital, P.O. Box 1100, Boise 83701-9951, in memory of Ralph Kluss.

Lewiston Tribune, Wednesday, January 15, 1997
Transcribed by Kerry Kasza