Marcene Rachael Kluender

Marcene Rachael Kluender, age 70, of Mankato passed away on June 13, 2021 after a courageous hard fought 6-year battle with peritoneal cancer.

Marcene was born on July 14, 1950 to Raymond and Esther Krueger of Lakefield MN. She attended school in Lakefield and graduated from Lakefield High School in 1968. She continued her education at Mankato State College receiving her bachelor’s degree in 1972. Marcene pursued her master’s degree in Instructional Media and Technology and received her 6th year degree in Elementary and Secondary Administration.

Marcene was an educator for 34 years at Maple River Schools. She taught for 17 years as Librarian, Media Director and Social Studies teacher, becoming principal at the middle school in Amboy and elementary school in Good Thunder.

Marcene married Everett Kluender October 16, 1976 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lakefield MN and lived in Minnesota Lake until moving to Mankato in 2000.

Marcene enjoyed reading, walking, taking classes, golfing, gardening, and was a curator of fine wines. Her love of travel included many destinations across the US, Europe, Australia, and Hawaii. She especially enjoyed the fine art of cruises. Additionally, she volunteered at Peace UCC church board, Festag Queen’s committee, Centenary Methodist Church, VINE in Mankato, and was a Guardian at AdLidem. She especially enjoyed socializing with her many close and loving friends.

Marcene is survived by her husband Everett; brother, Marnae Krueger; nephews, Scott (Mark), Matt (Karen), and Luke (Melissa); and aunt, Phyllis Lueth. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Jim Kluender (Dorothy); sister-in-law, Sheila Barker, brother-in-law, Bob Jones; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Marcene was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Esther Krueger; sister, Marva Hammon; brother-in-law, Roy Hammon; and sisters-in-law, Mavis Jones and Mary Krueger.

With deepest gratitude, Marcene and Everett wish to thank Dr. Devineni, his assistant Lindsay, all of the nursing staff at the Mankato Clinic Infusion Center, and St. Croix Hospice for their outstanding dedication and compassion.

Visitation will be held from 4-7pm, Thursday, June 24, 2021 at Northview ~ North Mankato Mortuary. Memorial service will be 11am, Friday, June 25, 2021 at Northview with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Mankato. Please share a memory of Marcene with her family, view her video tribute, and watch her service livestreamed at www.mankatomortuary.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to ECHO Food Shelf of Mankato or donor’s choice.