Urban Herman Kluthe

Urban Kluthe, 98, passed away peacefully August 11, 2017.  Urban was born in a farmhouse just outside Elgin, NE on April 12, 1919. At age 14, his family moved to Anaheim, CA.  He attended night school to earn credits equivalent to two years of college and joined the Civilian Conservation Corps.  In 1941, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps.  While stationed at the Portland Air Base, he met his future wife, Olive, at a local dance hall named McElroy’s.  They were married six months later on August 16, 1942.  Shortly afterwards, he shipped out to North Africa and Europe.  They exchanged love letters for three years until he finally came home in August of 1945.  They started a family in 1952 and raised their two children in Northeast Portland.  They were members of St. Rose Catholic Church until they moved to Beaverton in 2001.

During WWII, Urban was part of a mobile maintenance squadron where he learned, among other skills, how to paint airplanes.  He continued using those skills after the war as one of Portland’s premier automotive painters.

Urban always had a love of sports and was a huge fan of the Trail Blazers.  He also played golf regularly until age 91.

After Urban’s retirement, he and Olive travelled the world.  When they were home, they helped raise five grandchildren.

After Olive passed away in 2001, Urban started a new chapter of his life with friends at the Elsie Stuhr Senior Center in Beaverton.  He was a regular at the poker and pool tables.  In April, a 98th birthday celebration was held for him at the center, which included appearances from the Beaverton Police Color Guard and Mayor Denny Doyle! He was extremely moved by the once in a lifetime experience.

Urban spent the last month of his life at his “second home,” Maryville Rehabilitation Center.  His family extends their gratitude to Maryville’s staff for their compassion and friendship.

Urban is survived by his children, Greg Kluthe (Patti), Julie Kloucek (John); grandchildren, Erin Chen (Jennwood), Gregory Kluthe (Kristen), David Kloucek, Tom Kloucek, Sarah Kloucek; and great-grandchildren, Myla Kluthe, Olivia Chen.  The Rosary will be held at Rose City Funeral Home on August 24th at 7:00 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Pius X Church, 1280 NW Saltzman Rd, on August 25th at 11:00 am.