Ex-wife claims Klunder was physically abusive, according to court documents

The ex-wife of Michael Klunder, who kidnapped Kathlynn Shepard, asked the court for a permanent order to protect her and her family from Klunder about two months after he was released from prison, according to documents filed in 2011.

Klunder, 42, of Stratford, a registered sex offender who had a criminal history of kidnapping a 21-year-old woman and kidnapping two 3-year old girls, assault, sexual assault and attempted burglary, also was accused of domestic abuse by his ex-wife, according to court documents filed in Cerro Gordo County District Court.

Klunder, who killed himself Monday, is accused of kidnapping Shepard and a 12-year-old girl Monday in Dayton. The 12-year-old escaped but Shepard hasn't been found.

Klunder in the documents acknowledged his violent history and criminal offenses but said they were all in the past and didn't "reflect" who he after being released from prison in February 2011. He participated in a faith-based 18 month treatment program while in prison and successfully completed it. Klunder denied physically harming his ex-wife but admitted to being addicted to cocaine and having a violent temper.

Klunder said he never grabbed his ex-wife by her throat or threw her around the room, as she alleged, according to documents. He admitted there was a no-contact order placed on him while he was in prison but his ex-wife only did that because she told him she had to cut off contact with him or her boyfriend would leave her and take their two daughters.

He also denied causing any "intentional" sexual trauma to his ex-wife, according to documents. Klunder denied making any contact with his ex-wife during the past 11 years and didn't contact his son before he turned 18.

His ex-wife claimed Klunder threatened her in September 2010, when he threatened to come and take their son, according to documents.

Also in the court documents, there are filings from Klunder who was attempting to establish his paternity rights and visitations with his son. The court denied his petition in 2005, saying it was in the best interest of the child and awarded sole custody to the boy's mother.