Arthur Klobe Obituary Klobe, Arthur H. 91 years old, a resident of Minnetonka, Minnesota and Naples, Florida, passed away Saturday morning, September 18, following a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Alice Klobe of Young America, Minnesota, and by his sister, Marguerite Paplow of Ojai, California. Art, a man known for his natural presence and honest character, enjoyed a long and loving life, filled with accomplishment and endless curiosity. Art was born 1919 in Young America, MN, where he graduated from Norwood Central High. He earned his degree from the University of Minnesota where he joined the Reserve Officer Training Corp and pledged Phi Gamma Delta. Following graduation from the University of Minnesota, he enlisted in the United States Army. By the age of 24, Art served as the youngest Lieutenant Colonel on the European continent. His leadership and strategic planning as a key member of the First Army Headquarter's Staff was critical to the success of the D-Day invasion. He served on General Omar Bradley's staff and, as an officer, went ashore on Omaha Beach under fire to direct his men to the location of much needed stores of ammunition. Art was awarded the United States Army Bronze Star, the French Croix de Guerre in 1945, Medaille d'Argent of the city of Paris in 1965, and in 2009 the French government awarded him its highest civilian honor, naming him a Chevalier in the French Legion of Honor. After his decorated military service, Art joined Cargill, Incorporated, where he held many leadership and executive positions throughout his 30 year career. He retired in 1985 as President and CEO of North Star Steel Company. Before leaving for the war, Art married his wife, Peggy, of West Hartford, Connecticut. Together they returned to Minnesota to begin their long life together. Following his retirement from Cargill, Peggy and Art spent winters in Naples, Florida. On September 12, they celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. In Minnesota, Art was a member of St. David's Episcopal Church, Interlachen Country Club, the Fox and Hounds Breakfast Club, and the Minnesota State Historical Society. In Naples, he was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church, Moorings Country Club, the Naples Yacht Club and the Minnesota Men's Breakfast Club. He served on the Board of Directors of the Northwestern National Bank of Hopkins and on the Board of Directors of the North Naples Community Hospital. Paramount to everything else in his life, Art focused on the importance of love for his family. He brought compassion and respect to all whom he touched. A natural and charismatic leader, Art embraced his core values of family, country and honor in every endeavor. Art did not live life, he celebrated life. He was indeed the best of the "Greatest Generation". Art is survived by his wife, Peggy, his children, Kathrine and Dr. David Matthew of Sartell, Minnesota, Molly Klobe of New York, New York, John and Valerie Klobe of Saratoga, California, and Barbara Klobe of San Jose, California, his grandchildren, Dr. Elizabeth Matthew Goetz (Robert), Andrew Matthew (Lourdes), Sarah Matthew Rinn (Alexander), Katherine Klobe and Michael Klobe, and four great-granddaughters; sisters, Magdalin Espy of Oconomowoc, WI, Bernice Thornton of Napa, CA. Funeral service will be held on Friday, September 24, 2010, at 11:00 AM at St. David's Episcopal Church, 13000 St. David Road in Minnetonka, followed by interment at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis. The family prefers memorials be directed to The Minnesota Historical Society Greatest Generation Endowment Fund.