Thelma Lucille Klug
March 13th, 1937 - July 23rd, 2025
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Thelma's Obituary
Thelma Lucille Klug, 88, of Buchanan, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at home.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church of Glendora, 1733 W. Glendora Rd., Buchanan with Rev. Jonathan Liebich officiating. Burial will follow at Glendora Cemetery, Weesaw Twp, Buchanan. Visitation will take place from 5-7 pm on Tuesday, July 29, at Swem Chapel, 301 W. Front St., Buchanan.
Memorial contributions in memory of Thelma may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church of Glendora. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com.
Thelma was born on March 13, 1937, to Robert and Ester (Shepardson) Payne at home in Weesaw Twp. On November 6, 1954, she married Herman Fredrick Klug in the parsonage at Trinity Lutheran Church of Glendora, where they were lifelong members.
Thlema operated as a factory worker for many years before going back to earn her GED. After this accomplishment she went on to college, earning her nursing degree while working and guiding her children through high school. Following graduation, Thelma served nearly 30 years at Berrien General Hospital, the first half of her nursing career in OB and the remainder in long term care.
Her strong work ethic and ability to overcome challenges led her to excel in many hobbies throughout her life, there wasn’t anything she couldn’t do. Thelma was very active in the Berrien County Youth Fair for over 50 years. She was a 4H leader, Garden leader and volunteered in several locations throughout the fair, mostly at the birthing barn in the later years. Known for her amazing baking, Thelma also loved to travel and made it to 48 of the 50 states. More than anything, she loved her family and cherished the time spent with them.
Thelma is survived by her children, Teresa Bowker, Linda Sharrer, Bruce (Kim) Klug and Scott Klug; siblings, Howard (Caryl) Payne, Carol Brotherton and Rex (Jeanne) Payne; 8 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Ester Payne; husband, Herman Fredrick Klug; brother, Douglas Payne; sister, Jeanette Balun; sons-in-law, Douglas Bowker, Ricky Sharrer; brother-in-law, Ralph Brotherton and grandchildren, Nathan Bowker and Sandra Sharrer.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church of Glendora, 1733 W. Glendora Rd., Buchanan with Rev. Jonathan Liebich officiating. Burial will follow at Glendora Cemetery, Weesaw Twp, Buchanan. Visitation will take place from 5-7 pm on Tuesday, July 29, at Swem Chapel, 301 W. Front St., Buchanan.
Memorial contributions in memory of Thelma may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church of Glendora. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com.
Thelma was born on March 13, 1937, to Robert and Ester (Shepardson) Payne at home in Weesaw Twp. On November 6, 1954, she married Herman Fredrick Klug in the parsonage at Trinity Lutheran Church of Glendora, where they were lifelong members.
Thlema operated as a factory worker for many years before going back to earn her GED. After this accomplishment she went on to college, earning her nursing degree while working and guiding her children through high school. Following graduation, Thelma served nearly 30 years at Berrien General Hospital, the first half of her nursing career in OB and the remainder in long term care.
Her strong work ethic and ability to overcome challenges led her to excel in many hobbies throughout her life, there wasn’t anything she couldn’t do. Thelma was very active in the Berrien County Youth Fair for over 50 years. She was a 4H leader, Garden leader and volunteered in several locations throughout the fair, mostly at the birthing barn in the later years. Known for her amazing baking, Thelma also loved to travel and made it to 48 of the 50 states. More than anything, she loved her family and cherished the time spent with them.
Thelma is survived by her children, Teresa Bowker, Linda Sharrer, Bruce (Kim) Klug and Scott Klug; siblings, Howard (Caryl) Payne, Carol Brotherton and Rex (Jeanne) Payne; 8 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Ester Payne; husband, Herman Fredrick Klug; brother, Douglas Payne; sister, Jeanette Balun; sons-in-law, Douglas Bowker, Ricky Sharrer; brother-in-law, Ralph Brotherton and grandchildren, Nathan Bowker and Sandra Sharrer.
Memorial Contributions
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