Merle Klug 03/08/2014

Merle Klug (nee Hunter), age 90 of River Falls, passed away after a brief illness on Saturday, March 8, 2014 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN.  Survived by loving husband of 67 years, Lawrence Klug; three daughters, Leslie (John) Mercer, Ellen (Orian) Hunter, Joleen (Michael) Larson; son, Lawrence “Loren” (Bridget Farrelly) Klug; six grandchildren, Ashley (Brandon Sullivan) Mercer, Damian (Jen) Hunter, Hillary (Richard) Graves, Emily (Zac) Higgins, Aidan Klug, Molly Klug; seven great-grandchildren, Ian Sheridan, Ailish Sheridan, Davin Hunter, Jacob Hunter, Caden Hunter, Aurelia Graves, Alistair Graves.  Preceded in death by parents, Clark and Mary Pearl Hunter; infant daughter, Barbara Jean Klug.  An avid reader and lifelong supporter of public libraries, she served on the library board in Spooner, WI where she and Larry retired in 1993.  She also was a talented and knowledgeable gardener.  In 2003 she received the coveted Lydia Schafer Award from the Wisconsin Federated Garden Club.  Merle and her husband also were regular volunteers with the Spooner Public Schools.  Upon returning to River Falls in 2007 she reengaged with the Home Culture Club and Glover Homemakers.  She graduated from River Falls High School and River Falls State Teachers College with a degree in elementary education.  She taught for several years in Hudson and St. Croix Central Schools and also worked in extension office at UWRF.  While at UWRF, Merle and Larry befriended several international students.  Merle and Larry owned and operated the Walvern Hotel and Restaurant for over ten years in the late 1960’s which was later extended to include the Walvern Manor Restaurant.  The entire family worked at the restaurant which served over 300 diners on weekends and hosted many events.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be directed to the River Falls Public Library or the Spooner Garden Club.  Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at 11 am at St. Bridget Catholic Church in River Falls.  Memorial visitation was held Tuesday, March 18, 2014 from 4-8 pm at the Bakken-Young Funeral Home in River Falls and on Wednesday from 10-11 am at the church.  Interment will be in Willow River Cemetery in Hudson, WI at a later date.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services of River Falls.