Eugene Klug | 1942 - 2024
Obituaries-Mobridge / Posted Oct 21, 2024 | 9:11 AM / 54 views
Funeral services for Eugene Bernard Klug, 81, of Selby, will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the Selby School Gym. Burial will follow at Selby Memorial Gardens under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. A prayer service will be held at 3 PM on Friday, with visitation from 5-7 PM at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Selby. Gene passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Avera St. Luke’s in Aberdeen.
Eugene Klug was born on November 26, 1942, in Bowman, ND, to Herbert and Marion (Breckenridge) Klug. He attended school in Bowman, graduating in 1961. He then attended Dickinson State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education in 1965. He continued his education and obtained a Master of Music in Music Education from the University of South Dakota. While attending school in Dickinson he met the love of his life, Jeanette Froelich, of Selfridge, ND, in 1961. They married September 2, 1963.
Gene was a dedicated and hardworking educator, teaching in Hannaford and Wilton, ND, where he started Boy Scout Troops. In 1968, he accepted a teaching position within the music department in Selby, SD. While Gene taught both band and chorus, his true passion was band; where he had students selected for “McDonald’s All American High School Marching Band.” His exceptional dedication to music radiated in every class, rehearsal, and performance, inspiring his students to reach their fullest potential and fostering a lifelong love for music in their hearts. He very much enjoyed being back in the classroom these past few years given the opportunity in substitute teaching.
In 1979, Gene left teaching to pursue a new venture, purchasing the 3B Hardware Store in Selby and renaming it Klug’s Hardware. After a fire destroyed the store in 1980, Gene’s determination shone through as he rebuilt and continued to operate the business until 2001, eventually transitioning it to Klug’s Plumbing and Heating. During this time, he earned licenses in plumbing and HVAC. One of his significant accomplishments was completing the plumbing for the Super 8 Motel in Selby, a testament to his skill and remarkable work ethic.
Gene was an active and passionate member of his community. He held various offices in the Jaycees, serving as State Jaycee Vice President, and was a charter member of the Selby Lions Club and Hiddenwood Sportsmen’s Club. Gene played a pivotal role in rebuilding and operating the Selby Trap Range for about 15 years until it was closed. He was also a member of Bridge City Trap Club in which six members were instrumental in putting in auto-traps and building a club house. He belonged to the Bridge City Concert Association, Selby Opera House Committee, Selby Cemetery Board, Selby City Council, Selby Community Club, 4-H Shooting Sports, National Rifle Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and served as a Hunt Safe Instructor since 1979.
Gene’s true passion was working with the Boy Scouts of America. He dedicated 54 years to Selby Troop 60 as Scoutmaster, leading numerous campouts and mentoring 35 Eagle Scouts. Gene instilled the values of trustworthiness, loyalty, and leadership in countless young men. Their adventures were filled with laughter and unforgettable stories. His unwavering commitment to guiding these scouts created a bond that extended beyond the campfire. Gene’s legacy will be felt for generations to come.
Gene was an avid hunter and a deeply passionate outdoorsman with an unparalleled connection to nature. His love for hunting extended into reloading all his own ammunition. Later in life, he discovered an enthusiasm for muzzleloading, and particularly enjoyed the camaraderie of Rendezvousing with his wife, family, and friends. Gene’s creativity and resourcefulness could be seen as he handcrafted his own rendezvous gear, from to leather clothing, and intricate jewelry to the hand loomed rugs and moccasins he expertly sewed. There was nothing he couldn’t do.
Gene enjoyed bowling, hiking, canoeing, white-water rafting, snow and water skiing, held a scuba diving license, and a lifeguard certificate. You could find his competitive spirit throughout all he did.
Gene Klug approached everything in life with great pride and enthusiasm. His warm heart was made of gold, and he embraced everyone with open arms. Gene loved life and lived every moment of his life to its absolute fullest. Gene Klug left a footprint with his kindness, wisdom, and patience in a way that will go unmatched. His fierce competitiveness will always be remembered; and he will go unrivaled in his stubbornness. Gene Klug is a legend in his own right. He will be deeply missed.
Gene is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Jeanette (Froelich) Klug of Selby; his daughters, Vickie (Steve) VanderMay of LongValley, SD, and Janine (Kent Wolforth) Arbach of Selby; his grandchildren, Colleen (Austin) Konold, Val (Nathan Byrne) Dimond, Trent (Jennifer) VanderMay, Todd VanderMay, Tel (Jenna) VanderMay, Tate (Osprey Vetter) Arbach, and Cody Arbach; nine great-grandchildren; his brother-in-law, Ed Shimmin, and his brother-in-law, Dan Laintz.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert (1974) and Marion (1972) Klug; his sister, Leona (Klug) Shimmin (1989); his father-in-law, Michael Froelich (1963); his mother-in-law, Elizabeth (Kraft) Froelich (1995); his brother-in-law, Charles Froelich (2017); and his sister-in-law, Pat (Froelich) Laintz (2023).