Robert "Bob" Dale Kluge

Bob Kluge 94, a long-time resident of Summit County, CO passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 24, 2021.  He was born on June 1, 1927, in Denver, CO to his parents Robert Kluge and Helen McCoy Kluge. 

Bob is survived by his best friend and companion Lee Moosburger of Vail, CO., his nephew Martin Cunningham (Mary) of Arvada, numerous nephews and nieces and many friends who will miss him dearly.

Bob’s mother passed away when Bob was only 5 years old and it became difficult for his father to take care of the children, so he and his 2 sisters Helen and Joann grew up in an orphanage in Denver, the Colorado Children’s Home. In his teen years he spent some time with an uncle and finished high school and then lived with a very nice family on a ranch in Northern Colorado. Working on the farm (often milking cows early in the morning) and hunting became a big part of his life. He really wanted to ski and his answer was foot packing the trails in Winterpark for a lift ticket.

Even so it was difficult he was able to finish college with a degree in engineering and he started to work for Honeywell in their camera/photo division. Always searching for something new and different he designed new camera equipment for which he was awarded several patents. In his free time, he played golf, went water skiing, and later was on the Volunteer Ski Patrol in Arapahoe Basin and became Patrol Leader

His love of the outdoors and the mountains influenced his move to Summit County in the early seventies. Finally, he was able to enjoy more of his hobbies camping, exploring canyons in Colorado and Utah, hiking, skiing, and fly fishing, his true passion. His favorite saying was “you just need to outsmart the fish”, and he often did. In his later years he began the new hobby of windsurfing. He loved going to South Padre Island, TX every spring for windsurfing, hanging with friends, enjoying the beach, fishing, eating fresh oysters and going to the little border town Progresso in Mexico for a Margarita and true Mexican food.

He worked a lot too. At different times Bob was Keystone’s Nordic director, was a fishing guide, started back country helicopter skiing, and as an independent contractor remodeled many homes. He owned several different businesses including a restaurant and print shop.  

Always wanting to help people he became very active with Summit County Search and Rescue with more than 20 years of service.  

What an amazing life! No wonder people loved to listen to his stories of times gone by and all his adventures.

Graveside service is scheduled for 2:00 PM June 1, 2022, Dillon Cemetery, Tenderfoot Trail Rd. followed by a Celebration of his life at the Windy Point Group Shelter.  

 In lieu of flowers you may plant a tree in Bob’s name or make a donation to the Summit County Rescue Group http://www.scrg.org/

(Click on web address under donations below)

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