Paul Kluge

Growing up on a Wisconsin dairy farm in the 1950s was hard work, but it also fostered a close connection with country church, 4-H, and rambunctious cousins on backyard ball fields, along with the birthing of Holstein calves on cold winter nights. Needing, however, to learn more about himself and the world around him, Paul reached for whatever was beyond the farm and maybe more. More became a four-year Army enlistment after high school. More included nearly two years with an infantry brigade that deployed to Vietnam in late 1966. He left that war in June '68 with a Bronze Star, although the Tet Offensive remains inside him.

Adjustment to civilian life was a challenge. Supporting his family was a challenge. Menial jobs were followed by warehouse management. By then divorce meant starting over. Eventually came merchandise buyer, and finally human resource work within a large and diverse workforce. There he was able to contribute to many needs of the generally underserved. Paul flourished in such work and continued in it until retirement.

Having already done some community theatre acting, by the turn of the century Paul was writing theatre. His full-length plays include Local Rules Apply, Final Intrusion, Lam Moui Hai, and Can of Worms, three of which have been produced locally.

On several occasions Paul has been invited to speak at Veterans Day and Memorial Day gatherings. His message has always addressed some aspect of veterans and the Vietnam War. In his retirement, Paul has continued to write on the war, to research history, and to speak to the story of Vietnam, all of which has become the eye-opener Weeds of War.

Paul currently resides in quintessential Northfield, Minnesota, the town that routed the Jesse James Gang in 1876, and later welcomed Mary Tyler Moore’s friend Sue Ann Nivens, aka Betty White, at memorable St. Olaf College.