Inspired Media

Marv Klocke shares business and desert island sense

Interviewed by Marla Klocke • Originally published in the Winter 2012-13 Inspire(d)

Marv Klocke shares his memories of the decades past through this interview with his daughter-in-law Marla. At age 92, Marv recalls his time in the service, years in the grocery business and owning K&S Super Value in Decorah, and spending time with his friends and family. Whether talking about stocking shelves or stalking big fish on Canadian expeditions with friends – Marv’s zest for life, friends, family – and sauerkraut(!) – is bright.

What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you?

It is not what you earn, but how much you save of what you earn.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A store manager in the supermarket business. I did not want to be not want to be rich, so when I was old I would not regret not being rich.

What do/did you do?

I was in the grocery business since age 19. I worked for a great gentleman, and then went into the military service. In 1942-1945 I was in Patton’s 3rd Army through Europe. When returning from military service, I went into partnership and eventually owned my own business from 1951-1985 after which time I retired.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want with you?

1) A partner with good common sense 2) My wife, Mary 3) A food source

Try to describe yourself in one sentence.

A common man that loves to be surrounded by friends and family.

If you could eat anything every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Sauerkraut with country style spare ribs.

Name one thing you could not live without.

My wife Mary, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Multiple choice: tell us about…

Your first job: Clerking in a store for two elderly maids, which was a great job.

Your favorite memory: My military service days.

School’s over! Summer! Exciting! No? Worried about keeping little hands less-than-idle? How about some good, old-fashioned paper projects? We put together a little list of our favorites.

Learn how to make:

Flowers (or bows)

Super easy and fun for a gift, on a message board, to decorate a wall, or on some sticks as a little bouquet.

Heart Garland

This sweet garland is so pretty hanging above a threshold or even, if you’re not worried about rain, decorating a space outside for a party!

Stars

We love the idea of making a bunch of these and grouping them together to hang above a table or in a corner of a room.

Gnome Hat + Beard

Well…this one is a classic. Get ready for Nordic Fest!

Super Fly Airplane

What’s better on a summer day than a paper airplane race? Try this one against your favorite pattern and let us know who wins!

Pinwheel

Windy day? Pinwheeeeeeeeeel!!

Bird

Putting a bird on it is so 2000s, but we still love this little guy. Super easy and fun to make!

Lantern

Obviously, we’re into the summer parties. It doesn’t have to be an Asian theme to have paper lanterns. Hang these with your Christmas lights strung throughout for a pretty and fun little scene.

Origami Crane

Always wanted to learn how to fold an origami crane? Here’s a step-by-step tutorial!

Fortune Teller

Check out this printable to find out your future!

Unicorn Pinata

This is, as we’ve said before, our most EPIC PAPER PROJECT EVER! It takes a few days, but the finished product is pretty amazing. If you do decide to make this lovely unicorn, PLEASE let us know – we’d love to see pics at facebook.com/iloveinspired!

Happy Summer! Enjoy!

XO,
Inspire(d)

 

 

Interviewed by granddaughter Janelle (Holty) Halverson • Originally published in the Spring 2014 Inspire(d)

This type of interview captures remarkable things about the subject but there are still things you can’t see or hear that are very much a part of the person’s life and personality. Growing up, Grandma Jenny always had an open door and a lunch for anyone who stopped by. I have treasured memories of sitting at their kitchen table listening to Grandma’s morning voice read scripture before we headed off for our days. The buckets of homemade donuts are uncountable and the list of people who would say the same thing is long. Although she isn’t cooking/baking anymore she still has treats in her room to make sure her company is welcome and well fed.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

It was something my dad said once, when my sister was so sick. He said “We all have to help”. It always stuck with me. We all have to help when someone has trouble like that.

What is the worst advice anyone gave you?

I can’t think of any dirty tricks like that.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a missionary way back when. But that didn’t turn out. I got married. I became a farm housewife. That is a lot work, from morning ‘til night.

If you were stranded on a desert island what three things would you want with you?

Some shelter, some food and some family member I guess.

Describe yourself in once sentence?

Probably stubborn I guess. They would call me a stubborn Norwegian.

If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?

Oh boy, probably something we would have for Christmas like meatballs or lutefisk. (Interviewer interjects: LUTEFISK?) Oh, not lutefisk every day. That would NOT be good.

Tell us about your wedding day.

It was the rainiest day of the year I believe. It was in a little country church in Riceford, Minnesota. No lights or anything so we had to use candles in the windows and everybody was worried we were going to burn the church down. But it turned out I guess. We went to Grandpa and Grandma Holty’s for the reception because they didn’t have lights at the church. We celebrated there with a nice supper. I can’t remember what we had but knowing Grandma Holty she made it really good.

Tell us about your first job.

I worked in a bakery for quite a few months (in the Twin Cities). I also helped out where I stayed. I helped her out when she worked at the Norwegian Newspaper up there.

What is your favorite memory?

Loren brought me a sewing chest with spools of thread and everything in the drawers. It was storming and he carried it from his home all the way to my place. His dad was upset and wouldn’t let him have the car so he had to walk all that distance in deep snow. We found spools of thread later that had fallen out of the chest. Loren was determined to get that chest to me on Christmas Eve and he did too.