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Obituaries
The Gazette publishes obituaries on a daily basis. Use the search field above to search for obituaries by name or keyword. Readers can submit an obituary or submit a milestone to The Gazette. The obituary must be submitted before 1 p.m. for publication online and in the newspaper the next day, with the exception of obituaries for Sunday publication, which must be submitted by 1 p.m. on Fridays.
Michael John Klug
Michael John Klug
Iowa City
Michael John Klug, 68, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a little over a year ago and died peacefully as his wife and daughter held his hands on Monday, March 13, 2023.
He was born in Milwaukee, Wis., on May 2, 1954, to Millie Girard. He was adopted and raised by Marie and Frank Klug. He earned an associate of arts degree from Concordia College and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Saint Louis University (SLU). While at SLU, he enrolled in a course in art history with Father McNamee which sparked a lifelong love of learning about sacred art and iconography. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1984 and dedicated 40 years to helping people understand and use their Medicare rights. In 2010 he met his birth mother, his half-brother, Darrell Heathcock, and half-sister, Mary Lunde.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Mercedes Bern-Klug; his daughter, Cora Bern-Klug (born the day the Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl!); beloved cousins, Ruth Price and family and Diane LaCourt and family, Milwaukee, Wis.; and soul-brother, Bob “Wags” Wagner, St. Paul, Minn.; among many others.
The family thanks the UI Cancer Center, UIHC, UI Rehab Hospital and Iowa City Hospice for excellent care.
No flowers please. Mike was a supporter of American Friends of Chartres Cathedral, Washington, D.C.; The Center for Medicare Advocacy, Willimantic, Conn.; and Trinity Episcopal Church, 320 E. College St., Iowa City, where his funeral service will be held at noon Monday, March 20. Reception to follow. Private burial at a later date.
