Robert "Bob" Walter Kluender, of Valentine, NE, passed away on August 31, 2024, at the age of 83. He was born on June 21, 1941, in Ainsworth, NE to Walter and Mary (Foster) Kluender.  He graduated from Valentine High School in 1960.  After graduating high school, Bob worked construction job that included building roads, the canal, and portions of Merritt Dam.  Bob married Sharon (Hammon) June 12, 1965. Bob was a devoted husband to Sharon Kluender for 55 years until her passing. They moved to Imperial, NE in 1966.  While in Imperial, Bob worked as a horse trainer, and was in sales (farm implement, car, and seed corn). They were blessed with two daughters, Colleen & Holli.  He resided in Imperial, NE until moving back to his hometown of Valentine, NE in 2022.

When he was young, he learned a strong work ethic by working on his family's ranch. It was hard work but work that he enjoyed and loved sharing stories about that time. Bob liked to compete in rodeo events until Sharon told him it was enough.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He and Sharon were known for their polka skills. As of late he could be found leather tooling and playing pitch. He was a very proud grandfather to Jaxson, Kylar, Coleston, Ryker, and Brekkyn. He regularly would be cheering on his grandsons during their baseball games from afar on GameChanger. A call for a recap of the game was always expected. Husker football and recently Husker volleyball was a favorite for Bob to follow each fall. Rooting for his Kansas City Royals kept him busy in the spring, summer, and occasionally fall.  He spent many hours watching rodeos.

Bob was a man of deep faith and loyal friend. He never started a day without reading his Daily Devotions and his Bible. He enjoyed the visits received from the members of his church.  By phone, he regularly checked in on friends and family to ensure they were okay.

Bob is preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Kluender, his parents Walter and Mary Kluender, his sisters-in-law Connie Peterson and Ruthann Kluender, and his brother-in-law Dick Ballard.

He is survived by his children Colleen (Todd) Spellman of Elmwood, NE; Holli Artz of Windsor, CO; grandchildren Jaxson, Kylar and Coleston Spellman of Elmwood, NE; Ryker and Brekkyn Artz of Windsor, CO, brothers Larry (Jean) Kluender of Valentine, NE; Jim (Linda) Kluender of Edgemont, SD; Bill Kluender of Valentine, NE; sister in law Jeri Ballard of Rapid City, SD and brothers in law Bob (Jan) Hammon of Pauma Valley, CA; Sam Peterson of Lincoln, NE. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service to celebrate Bob's life will be held on September 17th, 2024, at 10:30 am at Zion Lutheran Church in Valentine, NE. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Zion Lutheran Church to support sharing the word with those in Assisted Living or Long-Term Care. A luncheon will follow the service at the church.

Bob will be deeply missed, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to have known and loved him.