Kyle Leland Klunder

Corporal Kyle Leland Klunder, beloved son, grandson, brother and uncle, passed away on September 11th, 2017 in Las Cruces, New Mexico at the age of 26. Kyle was born in Las Cruces on June 3rd, 1991 to Mark G. Klunder and Susan Welch Klunder. He was a graduate of Onate High School. Upon graduation, Kyle joined the United States Marine Corps, where he attended the MCRD, San Diego, California. He then successfully graduated from SOI (School of Infantry). He was then selected to attend Infantry Anti-Tank Missleman training program and was awarded duty of MOS 0352. Upon successful completion, he was then assigned to 1STBN 3DMAR, WEAPONS Co. CAAT, KANEOHE BAY, HAWAII. Kyle served two overseas deployments; Afghanistan and South Korea. His awards include: Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Nation Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two bronze campaign stars, Global war on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2), North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal ISAF, and Rifle badge EXPERT. While attending New Mexico State University where he was set to graduate with a degree in Electrical Engineering, he was an active member of the New Mexico Army National Guard where he was rated as a Specialist. He was an extremely talented guitar player and loved writing and singing his own music. His voice had no comparison, it was smooth and expressive. He was a favorite performer at the local open mike music gigs and received many requests for his personal songs. As a kid, Kyle loved skateboarding. Any hobby or dream he pursued, he excelled at and perfected. Kyle had many varied interests and was eager to try new pursuits. He loved football and was a Redskins fan through and through. He was a constant jokester and could make anybody laugh. His perfect smile was contagious and would light up any room he entered. He will be dearly missed by everyone he touched. Kyle is survived by his mom Susan Welch Miller, Father Mark G. Klunder, sisters Nicole Klunder and Rachel O'Hara, brother-in-law Joseph O'Hara with his nephew Logan O'Hara and niece Emery O'Hara, all of Las Cruces. Other survivors include his paternal grandmother, Ann J. Klunder, of Alexandria, Virginia, Aunt Gretchen Raber, Uncles Rear Admiral Matthew Klunder and Loren Klunder also of Virginia. His maternal grandparents Don and Jean Welch of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Along with Aunts, Carol Welch, Linda Welch Franco of Las Cruces and Uncle Eric Welch and family of Fort Collins, Colorado. Kyle was viewed as a special role model to all his cousins from both his Father's and Mother's side. Kyle was predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Retired Colonel Joseph D. Klunder, uncle Joseph D. Klunder, Jr., both of Alexandria, Virginia, and his maternal uncle, Jim Weland Welch, Las Cruces. Services for Cpl Kyle Klunder are as follows: Thursday Sept 21, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at Getz Funeral Home, 1410 East Bowman Ave. Las Cruces, NM 88001. Pall Bearers will be New Mexico Army National Guard. Services will be officiated by Pastor Michael O'Hara of the New Covenant Fellowship. Cpl Klunder will be receiving a Full Military Honors funeral. Two Honor Guard details have requested to be present. They are the New Mexico National Honor Guard and the Marine Corp League, "El Perro Diablo" Detail 478. A rousing call of "Semper Fi" or "Oorah" from his brothers will be considered timely and well received. A Memorial Service is scheduled for Thursday, September 21, 2017 at 3pm in the Getz Funeral Home Chapel, a reception honoring Cpl Klunder will be held at the VFW Post # 6917 at 5845 Bataan Memorial West.