Daryl “Fritz” Klucking

He was born on January 8, 1936, in Woolstock, Iowa, to Antone and Bernadean Klucking. He grew up in Webster City, Iowa, where he developed a love of playing basketball, football and playing the trumpet. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Webster City in 1954 and went on to join the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed in California. After his completed service, he spent 11 years working for Dunn’s grocery store in Webster City. In 1967 he purchased a gas station, Standard Oil. In 1968, his love of the grocery store business took him to Ankeny, Iowa, where he started his successful career with Hy-Vee.

In 1969, he transferred to Fort Dodge Hy-Vee and later in 1972, he was promoted to assistant manager. In 1977, he was again promoted to the manager at the Iowa Falls Hy-Vee store where he finished out his career as a store manager and retired in 1988 at the age of 52. Fritz was known for his love of customer service and hard work.

Beyond his professional life, Fritz was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He married Joyce Miller on May 24, 1959, in Webster City, Iowa. And together they shared 66 wonderful years of love and laughter. He took great pride in his family and found his greatest joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren. Fritz will be remembered for his quick wit, laughter, and the joy he brought to those around him. Some of Fritz’s happiest days were spent on the golf course, sharing laughs and friendly competition with his buddies.

Fritz survives by his wife, Joyce Klucking, children: Kathy (Ed) Esinhart, Tom Klucking, Jim (Samantha) Klucking, and Kristy (Chris) Blanchard; grandchildren Kaylie and Derek Esinhart, Zach Carroll, Katey and Tommy Klucking, Madison Klucking, Caleb Lloyd, Sophie, Drew, and Ian Blanchard; and great-grandson Beau Hodge and two granddaughters on the way! He was preceded in death by his parents Antone and Bernadean Klucking; siblings: Don, Jack and Lois Klucking; and daughter-in-law Krystina Klucking.