George E Kluwe Jr.

George E. (Rick) Kluwe, Jr., age 76, died peacefully surrounded by his family at his home in Ormond Beach on July 21, 2014.

Rick was born March 16, 1938 in Schenectady, New York to George and Catherine Kluwe. He graduated from Scotia High School in 1956 and Alfred University in 1961 with a degree in ceramic engineering. He successfully completed Ranger Training at Ft. Benning, Ga., and served in the US Army from June 1961 to June 1964 in the 82nd Airborne Division as a 1st Lieutenant.

He worked as an engineer for General Electric for over 30 years. Additionally, after leaving GE, he worked at Lockheed Martin, Daytona Beach Plastics and Advance Ordinance Corp. in Daytona Beach. Rick was known for his volunteer work in the Civil Air Patrol and as a licensed Ham Amateur Radio Operator (WB4QAC). He loved gem mining and was a stone cutter certified by the Gemology Institute of America.

An avid NASCAR fan, Rick is also known for his over 35 years of service to NASCAR at its Daytona International Speedway track, first as a volunteer flag watcher and usher, then maintaining the electronic scoreboard, and finally working in the Speedway’s control booth overseeing the scoreboard.

Survivors include his wife, Vicky; and his four children: Eva Christensen of Lee, New Hampshire; Kerrie Ruland (Jeff) of Palm Coast, Florida; Carolyn Holland (Mary/Kate) of Gainesville, Florida; and Keith Kluwe (Cheryl) of Alexandria, Va.; as well as 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; and his dog “Buddy”.

Visitation will be held Thursday evening, July 24th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, 548 N. Nova Rd., Ormond Beach, Fl. 32174. A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday morning, July 25, at 10:30 a.m. at Crossroads Calvary Chapel, 1805 N. US Hwy 1 in Ormond Beach, Fl., 32174. The Christian Motorcycle Association will provide escort from the Volusia Memorial Funeral Home to Crossroads Calvary Chapel. Those wishing to participate in the escort should line up at the Volusia Memorial Park, 550 N. Nova Rd., Ormond Beach, Fl. 32174, at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, July 25th. Internment will be at Volusia Memorial Park at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be sent to: Fisher House at www.fisherhouse.org or the American Cancer Society