- April 23, 2024
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76-year-old Rick Kluwe, army ranger vet, passed away July 21.
Without a doubt, Rick Kluwe loved his country. And when the 76-year-old Army Ranger Veteran passed away July 21, his country made sure to return the love.
With his helmet and boots facing backwards on his beloved motorcycle, Kluwe was escorted to his funeral service in the same style as a United States president. The Christian Motorcycle Association provided the escort to Crossroads Calvary Chapel, the same place he met his wife of five years, Victoria Kluwe.
“I saw motorcycles outside the church,” Victoria Kluwe said. “I had been wanting to learn how to ride a motorcycle so I asked for someone to teach me. I was introduced to Rick.”
Victoria Kluwe, who now has her own motorcycle to ride, said she and her husband loved to ride The Loop and down A1A.
Besides riding, Rick Kluwe had plenty of other hobbies to keep him busy in his final years. He worked the score board at the Daytona International Speedway, a certified stone cutter and a gemologist. And he always made time to show his love for the red, white and blue.
“He was extremely patriotic,” Victoria Kluwe said. “During the send off the Legion Riders and the Patriot Guard lined the roadway and saluted the casket as it went by. There wasn’t a dry eye. It was so wonderful.”
Rick Kluwe fought a few different medical issues including congestive heart failure before he passed away.
“We were only married a year when he became ill,” Victoria Kluwe said. “So the last four years have been trying to get him well but it didn’t work.”
Though his body may be gone, Victoria Kluwe has no doubt that his memory will stay alive.
“He was always out in the community in some way, shape or form,” Victoria Kluwe said. “He was just always reaching out. I think he will be remembered for his strong patriotism and loyalty.”
