Funeral services for Martha Kluckman, age 98, of Pollock will be at 1 PM Tuesday, December 28, 2010 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Mound City. Burial will be in the Gale Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation will start at 5 PM Monday at the funeral home with a prayer service at 7 PM. Viewing will also start at 11 AM Tuesday at the church. Martha passed away Friday, Dec. 24, 2010 at the Selby Good Samaritan Center.

Martha Christine Wessel was born on February 13, 1912, the second oldest of thirteen children born to Jacob (Jake) and Maggie (Vollmer) Wessel. The Wessel family lived south of Pollock in the Hillside community. Martha attended first through eighth grade at Hillside School. She was confirmed in the Lutheran Church, Wisconsin Synod. As a teenager, Martha worked for various families. Before long, she met a handsome young bachelor, by the name of Walter Kluckman, at church and social gatherings. They were married June 26, 1929 at her parent's farm. A son, Duane, was born to Martha and Walter on November 15, 1931. Two daughters joined the family, Delores, born on August 4, 1938 and Darlene, born on March 21, 1944. Martha always worked alongside Walter on the farm and they purchased the Kluckman family homestead, near Pollock, in 1936. When Walter was in the field, Martha milked the cows and fed the pigs, in addition to taking care of chickens and turkeys housed in different buildings. The grove of trees in their farmyard provided a place for the Kluckmans to host Church services, Farmers Union picnics, and family and community gatherings. For many years, Martha boarded teachers for the Gale School. The teachers always remembered the good times they had at the Kluckman home and the wonderful school lunches Martha prepared for them.

Walter and Martha celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in June 1969. Walter passed away two months later. Martha continued to manage the farm with the help of her son, Duane, and later with help from son-in-law Virgil Binfet and family friend Bob Odde. In addition to the full time job of running the farm, Martha began making dolls and oil painting. Martha moved to Pollock in 1984.

One of the most difficult times in her life was in 1980 when her son, Duane, lost his life in a farm accident. One of the most joyous times of her life was the birth of her grandson, Joel Duane Binfet, in September of 1980. She also took great joy in attending Joel's wedding to Angie Reisch in Sioux Falls in August of 2008.

Martha was known as one of the best area cooks, if not the best. The coffee pot was always on and the deep freeze was always full of goodies. Friends and strangers alike were always welcome around the table. Holidays included the baking of at least thirty different types of goodies. For many years, Martha enjoyed traveling with family members and friends to various places including Canada, Australia, Hawaii, various countries in Europe, and most of the United States. Martha was a true Christian soldier and her unwavering faith led her to be a great survivor of the dirty 30's, the loss of her husband and son, and many health challenges. She was self-educated and was an active participant in life. Martha took pride in being an informed citizen and voted in every election. She was an avid sports fan and could listen to at least two local sporting events at the same time. Martha was active in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Friendly Neighbors Club, American Legion Auxiliary, Bible Study and Birthday Club. She always enjoyed family, neighbors, friends, and Church. Martha was always quick to show loving concern and caring for the well being of those around her.

Martha was always proud of her family and they of her. Martha taught her children the importance of faith in God, honesty, responsibility, supporting one's local community, that there is "dry rain", hard work never hurt anyone, and that an education is something no one can take from you.

Grateful for having shared her life are two daughters, Delores Kluckman, Pollock, and Darlene (Virgil) Binfet, Mobridge, one grandchild, Joel (Angie) Binfet, Highlands Ranch, Colorado and one sister, Pauline Wendt, Mobridge, SD. She is preceded in death by her husband, her son, her parents, and eleven brothers and sisters.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed towards the Gale Cemetery, St. Paul's Lutheran Church or the Pollock Community Foundation.