Kluempers, Thomas J.

When all else fails, read the directions
Celebrating Thomas Joseph Kluempers
1935-2024

With his red glasses, red suspenders, and a knack for telling it like it is, Tom Kluempers lived a vibrant life. He was a loving husband, dad, grandfather, great grandfather, veteran, engineer, and fixer of all things.

Born January 31, 1935, in St. Louis, and leaving us on November 18, 2024, at age 89, Tom was the kind of man who could wire a house, coach a soccer team, swim a mile at 85, and leave you laughing with his witty wisdom.

His life was defined by love—love for his family, his country, and life’s little gadgets. The youngest of two boys, he grew up in St. Louis, attending St. Pius V Catholic Grade School and Saint Mary’s High School. He earned a degree in electrical engineering from Saint Louis University in 1964. He served his country in the United States Navy two separate times 1952-54 and 1957-62 which took him across the world. He even survived a plane crash in 1954 in Huntingdon Tennessee.

His service to our country installed discipline and a deep appreciation for his country – values he carried throughout his life.

Tom married Shirley, the love of his life, on August 27, 1960. Their 63-year marriage was the cornerstone of their lives and family. Together, they raised four children, filling their days with soccer games, scouting trips, family gatherings, and endless projects. His home, lovingly packed with “a lot of stuff,” was a testament to his passion for learning, fixing, and teaching—his knack for finding just the right tool for any job was legendary.

His grandchildren rode their bikes to his house, knowing full well that he’d always give them a ride back. He hired, fired, and rehired his grandchildren to take care of his lawn. He passed along his love for taking things apart – and sometimes putting them back together.

Lake Timberline held a special place for our family and Tom was proud of all the renovations he completed and the many family memories that were made there over the years with barbecues, games, campfires, and fireworks. Tom enjoyed the outdoors and taught many of us to water ski at the lake. He enjoyed deer hunting as well but there was never a worry of him overfilling the freezer with deer meat.

His lifeguard gear, many tools, gadgets, and swim medals from the VA Golden Age Games—spoke to his remarkable talents and sense of humor.

Tom was a fan of watching Cardinals baseball, Mizzou football and the Kansas City Chiefs play and stayed active playing soccer. From coaching his daughter Nancy’s team to playing in the over-40 men’s league on Sunday afternoons with the ‘boys’, and even heeding Shirley’s advice to bring his kids along. Tom was always in the game. In retirement, he swam competitively, bowled, played cards, and practiced on his beloved organ, often showing off his musical flair at Lacefield Music.

Faith anchored Tom’s life. A member of Seven Holy Founders Parish for 59 years, he served as a lector and found comfort in daily prayers. His sayings, like “Life is a lot easier when you follow the rules,” were a reflection of his wisdom, humor, and belief in doing things the right way.

Tom made friends for life and never wavered in telling you like it is. He had a great group of golf buddies for many years in retirement that met every Tuesday and Thursday. Friends since kindergarten, the only surviving member, Jerry Sommers, shared a beautiful tribute to Tom and his family this past Monday.

Tom was blessed to have incredible caregivers – his daughter, Nancy, and her husband, Randy, for the last several years. Nancy and Randy never wavered as they cared for Tom and Shirley. He truly appreciated everything that Nancy and Randy did to keep them at home and safe during their final years.

Tom leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, honesty, and love, cherished by his children Joe Kluempers, Nancy Kadera (Randy), Tim Kluempers (Jeannie), and Julie McGuire (Dan); his grandchildren Joe Kluempers, Merik Berry, Thomas Kadera, Sam Kadera (Emily), Matthew Kadera, Janie Kluempers, Catherine Kluempers, Brock Kluempers, Laci Kluempers, Allison Bloome (Nick), Emma McGuire, and Michael McGuire; and his great-grandchildren Caylee, Cora Rose, Tori and Kayla. Thomas will be dearly missed by his beloved dog Peanut.

Thomas Joseph Kluempers will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. We are grateful he is at peace and with his beloved Shirley in heaven.

May he rest in eternal peace.

Services will be held Thursday November 21, 2024, at Seven Holy Founders Parish (6741 Rock Hill Rd, Affton Mo, 63123). Viewing at church at 10 am. Funeral follows at 11 am. Burial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations to https://t2t.org/ Supporting veterans and first responders. The family would like to express their, thanks to the staff at Mercy Hospice for their love and care.