Martin Joseph Kluthe was called home December 25th, 2022, at Faith Regional Hospital in Norfolk, NE, with his wife Judy Kluthe at his side.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, December 31 at SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Clarkson with Father Matthew Gutowski and Father Rodney Kneifl concelebrating the Mass. Visitation will be on Friday, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM with a vigil service at 7:00 PM, all at the church. Visitation will continue on Saturday from 9:30 AM until service time, at the church. Interment will be in the parish cemetery with military honors. Memorials may be directed to those of the family's choice.

Martin was born May 20th, 1941, on a farm near Howells, NE, to Joseph and Theresa (Ernesti) Kluthe. Martin attended rural country school and St Peter and Paul's Parochial School in Howells. He attended Mount Michael Seminary his first three years of high school then graduated from Clarkson high School in 1960. After graduation he farmed with his father until joining the Marine Reserves. He was Active Duty for eight months and in the Marine Reserves for 6 years. After this he returned to farming with his father.

Martin and Judy Kluthe were married October 2, 1965, at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Clarkson, NE. They lived on their farm south of Clarkson. To this union five children were born, Annette, Brad, Rhonda, Troy and Nichole. They resided on the farm until 1984 at which time they moved to Clarkson. Martin received his real estate license in 1982 and was an Auctioneer with Musil-Kluthe Auction and Realty. In 1984, Martin received his insurance license and began his insurance career.

Martin was an active leader in the community. He led an initiative to start the Clarkson Rodeo, building and acquiring bleachers and food stands that are currently used today. He was vital in saving the Opera House and instrumental in the creation of the Hospitality Center. Martin was an Active member on the Fire and Rescue for 18 years. Martin catered over 150 weddings, school proms, and Commercial Club events. Martin was also a member of the Commercial Club and chairman of the Czech Festival for 18 years.

Martin and Judy loved riding horses. Martin started the Centennial Trail Ride and annually recreated the route outside of Stanton. Martin and Judy participated in the River City Trail Ride since 1987 and became Trail Bosses in 2007. Over the years, he would lead a group of riders across the state using the same route the cattle round ups used in the Pioneer Days to bring the cattle to Omaha to be sold.

Martin received the Outstanding Community Service Award from the Clarkson Commercial Club. He also was recognized as an Outstanding Citizen during the LaVitsef Time in Norfolk.

Martin was a lifetime member of SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church and on the building committee of the current church. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Martin is survived by his wife, Judy of Clarkson, NE; daughters Annette (Nick) Barta of Parker, CO, Rhonda (Brian) Oenbring of Clarkson, NE and Nichole (Chris) Brabec of Parker, CO; sons Brad (Angelica) Kluthe of Lincoln, NE and Troy (Tammy) Kluthe of Kearney, NE.

Grandchildren Drue Barta (Kendra) and Paxton (Ben) Potter; Stephanie and Dominik Kluthe; Preston Oenbring, Brendon (Jenna) Oenbring, Caitlin (Michael) Kersten, and Sheldon Oenbring and friend Shelby Fuhr; Kennedy (Corbin Johnson Fiancé) Cade and Claire Kluthe; and Sophia, Helena, Max and Jack Brabec.
Great-grandchildren Dak and Scarlett Barta, Tillie Potter, Charlotte Oenbring; James Kersten.

Sisters Lucille Kane of Aurora, CO; Marianne DeLisle of Wilmington, NC; Marlene (Don) Masin of Sterling, CO; Elvira (Rich) Dvorak of Fort Collins, CO; and Joey (Fred) Smith of Council Bluffs, IA.

Martin was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Theresa Kluthe, and his brother, Norbert Kluthe.