KELSO, Mo. -- Rudolph Justin "Buster" Kluesner, 81, of Kelso, beloved husband and father, ended his journey on earth and began his journey with our Lord in heaven Monday, April 1, 2013. He died peacefully at home with his beloved wife and loving children at his bedside. Their everlasting love for each other was apparent even at the hour of death.

He was born Feb. 11, 1932, in St. Joseph, Tenn., to Frank and Monica Reischmann Kluesner. In 1937 he and his family moved to a farm in Chaffee, Mo., where he graduated from St. Ambrose Catholic Grade School.

Buster served with the U.S. Army in the Korean War from Sept. 3, 1952, with an honorable discharge Oct. 1, 1954.

Before he was sent to serve his country he met the love of his life, Helen Ann Schlosser of Kelso, whom he called his "pretty little girl." She would be his soul mate as she waited for his return to marry him April 20, 1955. He always professed his love for her by saying, "he fell in love with Helen from the moment he laid his eyes on her." He often said he loved her today as much as he loved her when they first met.

He was employed 10 years at Sports Specialists Inc. in Chaffee. He worked in construction for his brother, Rufus, two years. In 1961 he and his brother Tom established their own business, Kluesner Bros. Builders Inc. Their business partnership ended in 1995. He retired in 1996 from construction and then spent 13 years working as custodian at St. Augustine Catholic School in Kelso. He truly enjoyed working there as he loved being around all the school children.

Our dad loved woodworking and his farm. On a daily basis he enjoyed taking a drive through the beautiful and peaceful countryside just looking at his cattle and his farm.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was known to all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as "Pop." He made a special effort to be present at every grandchilds' school functions, birthdays and any special event. He was known for his sense of humor and his intelligence with woodworking and construction.

Buster was very proud of every one of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a very simple and humble man, and loved by so many. He was truly the patriarch of our family. He also had a true dedication to our Blessed Virgin Mary as he said the rosary on a daily basis; sometimes he said it twice a day.

He was a member of VFW Post 3838, and a devoted member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and a member of its parish council.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Helen Ann Schlosser; eight children, Wanda Clark of Kelso, Dale (Becky) Kluesner and Charlene (Charlie) Miller of Scott City, Donna Stamp, Kenny (April) Kluesner and Kevin Kluesner, all of Chaffee, Dewayne (Eileen) Kluesner of Benton, Mo., and Todd (Jennifer) of Kelso; 21 grandchildren; a step-grandchild; 24 great-grandchildren; and a great-grandchild due Sept. 26.

Also surviving are two brothers, Anthony Jerome "A.J." and Joe Kluesner; five sisters, Francie Schetter, Flora Brucker, Willie Scheeter, Clairene Priest and Diane Lovell; and a sister-in-law, Deloris Kluesner of Grand Rapids, Mich.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and a sister.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at St. Augustine Catholic Church. Parish prayers will be at 7:30 p.m., followed by a Knights of Columbus prayer service.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday at the church by the Rev. Oliver Clavin. Burial with full military honors will be in St. Augustine Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, St. Augustine Catholic School or Southeast Hospice.