Marie Ann Kluever (Marco)

Marie Ann (Marco) Kluever, age 86, of Cottage Grove, MN passed away peacefully, at home, on Thursday, December 18, 2025, surrounded and comforted by her family.

Born April 11, 1939 in Worthington, MN, the second child of Henry and Alice Marco. She grew up in the small town of Bigelow, MN, where she met the love of her life, Darwin. She and Darwin were married August 29, 1958 and began their journey together.

She and Darwin built their family in Bigelow and Worthington. Then moved to Cottage Grove, MN in 1972, where they raised their children. In 1984 they moved to Mason City, IA, starting a new chapter in their lives. Then in 2001, they retired and built their dream home on Lake Mille Lacs and made another home in Mesquite, NV. She and Darwin spent 20+ years traveling between the two homes. Marie loved traveling to Nevada for the winters. She enjoyed having people visit them and taking them sightseeing. She loved being at the lake more than anywhere. She enjoyed the busy times of having family and friends there to fish, play games, have fun and eat. She loved planning and cooking fabulous meals. After a busy day, she would fall asleep to the sounds of the waves hitting the rocks.

Marie loved her family more than anything. She took pride in the titles of wife, mom, grandma and great-grandma. She loved playing cards, dominos and dice with her family. Having countless games over the years, with Marie winning most of them. She would sit by quietly waiting until she could throw down her cards or dominos, winning and giggling. She loved going to the casino to play slot machines. We often wondered if she had a golden horseshoe in her pocket.

Marie was a genuine soul. She embodied kindness, patience and fun. She was laid back, non-judgmental and had a deep connection with each of us and loved us for who we are, flaws and all. She was the calming presence, the protector of our hearts, the center of our family and will be missed beyond belief.

She is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Darwin; her children Kim (Nancy) Kluever; Tami (Dennis) O’Leary; Scott (Mary) Kluever; LeAnn (Ward) Wakefield; Kristi (Steve) Gentz; Dawn (Kevin) Schluetter. Grandchildren; Jason O’Leary; Ryan O’Leary; Mike (April) Kluever; Courtney (Chad) Knuth; Ashley (Sam) Fagely; Kelsey (Austin) Olson; Brandon (Dana) Gentz; Sean Gentz; Justin (Rachel) Gentz; Taylor Gentz; Hannah Schluetter; Henry Schluetter. Great-Grandchildren; Giavonna, Londyn and Tatum O’Leary; Evie and Victor Kluever; Liam and Noah Knuth; Addison Fagely; Axel, Weston and Hazel Olson. Sister; Janice (Dick) Tracy; Sister-in-laws; Karen (Bob) Meester; Lou Kluever; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Michelle Kluever; her parents Henry and Alice Marco; her parent-in-laws William and Elsie Kluever; Brothers Jerry Marco and Jack Marco; Brother-in-laws: Doug Kluever; Robert Kluever and Sister-in-law Iris Kluever.

Funeral Service 11 AM with visitation beginning at 10 AM, Saturday, December 27, 2025 at Rose of Sharon Lutheran Church, 6875 Jamaica Ave. S., Cottage Grove, Minnesota, 55016. Interment to follow at Cottage Grove Cemetery, Cottage Grove, Minnesota.

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