Irwin Lee 'Ike' Klundt

Article Last Updated; Sunday, November 08, 2009 12:01AM

Former Durango resident Irwin Lee Klundt died after a three-year battle with cancer at his home in SaddleBrooke, Ariz., on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009. He was 73.

Known as "Ike," he was born to Gustave and Margaret Klundt in Pasco, Wash., on Aug. 7, 1936.

Mr. Klundt earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Washington State College, a master's from the University of Montana and a doctorate in organic chemistry from Wayne State University.

On Sept. 3, 1959, he married Gertrude "Trudy" Alice Tep in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Mr. Klundt served in the Army as a research chemist at Natick Laboratories in Natick, Mass. He was honorably discharged with the rank of captain in 1963.

After the Army, Mr. Klundt joined Aldrich Chemical Co. Upon his retirement, he moved to Durango, where he taught at Fort Lewis College and owned his own consulting business.

In 2005, the Klundts moved to SaddleBrooke.

Mr. Klundt was an avid gourmet cook and photographer. He was a member of the American Chemical Society, SaddleBrooke Photography Club and SaddleBrooke Computer Club.

Mr. Klundt is survived by his wife of 50 years, Trudy Klundt, of SaddleBrooke; daughters Linda Augustin and Christie Scott; son, John Klundt; brother, John Klundt; and eight grandchildren.

A service was held Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, at Adair Funeral Home, 8090 N. Northern Ave., in Tucson, Ariz.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718; or the American Chemical Society, 1155 16th St. NW, Washington, DC 20036.