Cletus "Clete" Edward Kueffer
Cletus "Clete" Edward Kueffer, 96, of California, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 2, 2018, surrounded by his family at Valley Park West in California. He was born on August 22, 1921 in California, Missouri, the son of Edward Henry and Ella Cornelia (Liebi) Kueffer, who preceded him in death. He was united in marriage to Geneva Mae Nordsieck, who preceded him in death on October 21, 2015. At a young age, Clete went to work on his family farm and for the State Transportation Department-Bridge Department where he was assigned to the sandblasting and painting crew. He later became foreman of the department. When he became the age of 18, he proudly served our country in the United States Navy aboard the U. S. S. Lexington during World War II from 13 September 1942 - 22 December 1945. During which time he obtained many accommodations and a two Presidential Citations. After coming home from the war, Clete went back to work for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), retiring after 23 years. Once retired from MoDOT, he and his brother, Jim, opened up Kueffer Structural Painting, which he was co-owner until 1970. He sold his portion of the business to his brother Jim and became a full-time farmer. He owned 375 acres north of California and that he is where he found peace and comfort. He served for 12 years at the ASCS Community Committeeman, was the Commander of the V.F.W. Post #4345 in California from 1978-1979 and 1987-1988. He served as President of the California Rural Fire Association and California Fellowship Association, the governing board for the Masonic Hall. Clete was a proud member of the California Masonic Lodge #183 where he served as Worshipful Master. He was a faithful member of the California United Church of Christ and served a term on the consistory. He is survived by his two daughters: Rhonda (Duane) Huhmann of Tipton and Amy (Tom) Huhmann of Tipton; two brothers: Robert (Mary Ann) Kueffer of California and Jim (Betty) Kueffer of California; three sisters: Marion Dorn of California, Carol (Charles) Rackers of California and Anna (Richard) Lenz of Boonville; four grandchildren: Whitney Huhmann of Brooklyn, New York, Zachary Huhmann of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Benton Huhmann of Tipton and Bailey Huhmann of Columbia. He was also preceded in death by one grandson: Doak Andrew Huhmann; and three brothers: Stanley Kueffer, Harold Kueffer and Ray Kueffer. Services were held on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at California United Church of Christ with Rev. Eugene Moll officiating. Interment with full military honors followed at California Evangelical Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to California Nutrition Center, California V.F.W. Post #4345, California Lodge #183 or California United Church of Christ. Arrangements were under the direction of MILLARD-REKUS Family Funeral Chapel, 902 East North Street, Eldon, MO 65026; (573)392-3351. Condolences may be left online at www.millardfamilychapels.com
Published April 11, 2018