An Illinois College alumnus, former student-athlete and proud member of Sigma Pi Literary Society, Kluemke was known for his warmth, loyalty and deep commitment to family, friendship and community. “Mark was my roommate, my pledge brother, but more importantly my friend,” said Mike Bauersachs ’86. After graduating from Illinois College, Kluemke built a successful career in financial services. He began with Prudential Insurance Company, and his work took him to communities across the Midwest before he returned to central Illinois to establish M.A. Kluemke and Associates in Springfield. Kluemke helped families plan for their futures. Nicholas McGhee ’22, an associate at the business who began working with Mark as an Illinois College intern, has succeeded Mark in leading MA Kluemke and Associates. 

Above all, Kluemke cherished his roles as husband, father and grandfather. He and his wife, Amy Struck Kluemke ’89, raised three children, Drew, Anna and Leah ’23. He found great joy in coaching youth sports, supporting school activities and sharing his faith.

Mark maintained a meaningful connection to Illinois College through friendships formed on campus and through the College’s enduring place in his family’s story, which also includes his sister, Marcia Borowiak ’88, brother-in-law Scott Borowiak ’90, and members of the next generation of the Kluemke family. He will be remembered with gratitude and affection by classmates, friends and members of the Illinois College community.