Rhonda Sue Kluck

      When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Rhonda Sue Kluck who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Rhonda was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Rhonda knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.      Rhonda was born on September 18, 1965 at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford, IL. Her parents were Tim Bauscher and Donna Kopinski. Rhonda was raised in Rockford. Even as a youngster, Rhonda learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.      As a young girl, Rhonda was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Rhonda was raised with 2 siblings. She had a sister Michelle and a brother Tim. Rhonda had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Rhonda, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.      Rhonda's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Rhonda enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Rhonda took part in tumbling, baton and Pom Pom Girls. She was a girl scout with the Rockford Park District and at Christmas time she worked with Santa Clause. In her spare time she liked camping, swimming and bike riding. Rhonda's memorable achievements included that she never had a cavity until she went to college.      In school, Rhonda was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Rhonda was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. Rhonda’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” She graduated from Harlem High School in 1983. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was math and was active with Pom Pom Squad.      Rhonda’s practical work ethic carried over into her college years. Her logical mind permitted her to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. She would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Rhonda’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped her stay on track but often put her ahead of schedule. When Rhonda saw the need or benefit, she would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. She earned her Batchelor of Arts in Education from the National College of Education. She also was a Resident Assistant in College.      An objective and conscientious individual, Rhonda reveled in the security of her family. On November 21, 1987 Rhonda exchanged wedding vows with Brian Kluck at First Assembly of Rockford, IL. One of Rhonda’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.      Rhonda was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Rhonda would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Rhonda was blessed with 2 children, Kailei and Kayonna.      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Rhonda was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Rhonda was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Rhonda upheld her standards. Her primary occupation was the Elementary Principal of Christian Life School. She was employed for 23 years. Rhonda was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”      Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Rhonda to do in life and that carried over to her enjoyment of sports. In high school, Rhonda played on the Pom Pom Squad. She also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were the Christian Life School Sports.      A civic-minded person, Rhonda was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. She was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Rhonda was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the many parades and beauty pageants. During these years, Rhonda applied her analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.      Faith was important to Rhonda. She held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay she saw around her. For that reason she held deep spiritual beliefs that she was willing to share. She was a member First Assembly (Rockford First Assembly).      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Rhonda used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Rhonda had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Hawaii.      Rhonda was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Rhonda’s favorites was her dogs. Her family was rounded out by her first dog snowball.      Rhonda passed away on November 15, 2009 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. Rhonda fought a brave battle against cancer. She is survived by husband Brian Kluck; daughters, Kailei Kluck and Kayonna Kluck, all of Rockford; mother and step-father, Donna and Tom Kopinski, of Machesney Park; father and step-mother, Tim and Sue Bauscher, of Loves Park; sister; Michell (Archie) Morey, of Machesney Park; brother, Tim (Holly) Bauscher, of Rockton; grandmother, Marie Laman, of Rockford. Funeral Service at 10 am on Friday, November 20, 2009 in First Assembly Church, 5950 Springcreek Rd. With Pastor Jeremy DeWeerdt officiating. Rhonda was laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Gardens.      All who knew her would agree that Rhonda was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Rhonda Sue Kluck did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.