Darrell Kluver, age 87, of Lake View, IA, passed away on Sunday, January 3, 2021 at Blackhawk Life Care Center. Darrell was born on December 21, 1933, to parents John and Katie (Fischer) Kluver. He grew up on a farm near Lake View, IA, where he attended country school. He farmed with his dad until 1955 when he was inducted into the United States Army. He received the rank of Specialist Third Class and was honorably discharged in 1961.
On May 5, 1954, Darrell was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Walter in Carroll, IA. This union was blessed with five children: Diane, Debra, Cheryl, Randy, and Cindy. They made their home in the Lake View area.
Darrell joined Mid-States Equipment as plant manager in 1962 and played an important role in the company’s growth. Herb Onstot fondly referred to Darrell as his “engineer”. He worked at Mid-States Equipment until 1999, retiring as the shop foreman.
Darrell enjoyed gardening, tending his fruit trees, asparagus bed, and grape vines. He and his wife canned much of the produce, along with sharing with family and friends. He was famous for growing and giving away jars of horseradish. He never lost his love of farming and after retiring farmed for Randy Aschinger Farms. He spent many hours fishing at Blackhawk Lake, playing cards, and having coffee with friends. For years he enjoyed breakfast with his buddies.
In his younger years he volunteered with community activities such as the annual Easter egg hunt, the Water Carnival parade of floats for 28 years, and planting the evergreen trees west of Blackhawk Life Care Center. He helped install playground equipment, including the big “climbing” rock and “barrel” at Speaker Park.
Darrell and Shirley enjoyed traveling, visiting family in Colorado and Missouri and trips to Mexico. They attended their grandchildren’s school events, and in later years Darrell especially enjoyed spending time with his great-grandchildren.
Those left to cherish his memory include his children: Cheryl (David) Swenson of Lake View, IA, Randy Kluver of Lake View, IA, and Cindy (Tom) Shelp of Auburn, IA, son-in-law David Condit; grandchildren: Rachael (Mark) Schreiber, Charity (Chad) Schroeder, Melissa (Louis) Collins, Caleb (fiancée Rebecca) Condit, John (Vanessa) Swenson, Beth Ann (Andrew) Snyder, Tanya Shelp, McKenzie (Brendon) Nicholas; great-grandchildren: Jensen and Anna Schreiber, Chloe and Ava Schroeder, Bennett, Keely, and Heidi Swenson, Emma, Avery, and Owen Snyder, and Delilah and Kalem Nicholas. He is also survived by brother Kenneth Kluver; sister Carol Ann Sieck; many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Darrell was preceded in death by his wife Shirley; daughters Diane Lynn and Debra Sue Condit; parents; brother Everett, sister Lavon in infancy, Dorothy Milton, and Ethel Blessington. A private family graveside service will be held.
