MARLYNKLUNDER

Marlyn Klunder, 90, of Glasgow, formerly of Inver Grove Heights, Minn., passed away on July 28, 2025.

He was born Dec. 29, 1934, in Carthage, S.D., the son of Ben and Vina (Sievers) Klunder. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, MaryJane Klunder.

Marlyn is survived by his stepdaughter, Robin Thompson, and her husband, Jay of Glasgow; grandson, Lt. Col. Sean Thompson and wife Alyson stationed at Ramstein AB, Germany; granddaughter Courtney Steinert (Thompson) and husband Kael of Lexington; granddaughter, Ashley Thompson of Richmond; and four great-grandchildren.

He was a proud member of the US Army and served with the 25th Infantry Division in Korea during the Korean War. Following his release from active duty in 1955, Marlyn moved to California and raced motorcycles as a nationally ranked competitor from 1958-1971 at dirt tracks including the renowned Ascot Park Speedway, racing against sport legends including Evil Knievel. In addition to racing, Marlyn owned and worked in Harley Davidson motorcycle shops in South Dakota and St. Paul, Minn. Always an enthusiastic promoter, he sponsored swap meets and indoor short track motorcycle races at the Minneapolis Armory as well as outdoor dirt track races and motocross events. He owned and rode motorcycles on the Wall of Death Motordrome, a motorcycle thrill show where riders rode on the inside walls of an enclosed, cylindrical structure, delighting the crowds at the famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota. Marlyn and his career were also highlighted on American Pickers (Season 12, Episode 8).

Long after his peers had retired, Marlyn continued to race sprint cars in the Midwest into his mid-80s and he finally stopped riding his dirt bike around his Rockbridge County home until the age of 89. Sporting his cowboy hat, military jacket and driving his GI replica jeep, Marlyn was an easily recognizable character at Walmart and around town.

A memorial service and interment will be held at a later date at Fort Snelling Veterans Cemetery, near Minneapolis, Minn. Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home and Crematory.

NG