Claude Gordon von Plueren

Claude Gordon von Plueren, son of the late Henry Anthony and Sally Ellen (Norvell) von Plueren, was born November 10, 1946 in Hamilton, Ohio where he grew up. He attended Ross High School in Ross, Ohio. On March 2, 1966, Claude entered the United States Army and served his country faithfully until his retirement on April 1, 1986. He did a tour in Vietnam and was awarded several medals and commendations. Those include: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (5th Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd Award), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, and the Marksman Qualification Badge M16. On April 1, 1985, Claude was united in marriage to Wolson Cho in Taegu, South Korea. They shared over 25 years of marriage together and four children: Kenneth, James, Brian and Samuel Wayne. After retiring from the military, Claude took a position as a prison guard, and later as a truck driver, before starting work on his college degree. In October, 2001, Claude graduated from Columbia College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Business Management. Claude was a very active man. He loved to hunt, fish and ride his horses and ATV’s while enjoying nature. He was a member of the American Legion Post and the American Hunting Club. Claude attended the Sacred Heart Catholic Church at the Fort Leonard Wood Main Post Chapel and also St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church. Claude passed away the evening of Wednesday, November 10, 2010 in his home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle against cancer. He had attained the age of 64 years. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Claude leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Cho von Plueren of the home; four children: Kenneth von Plueren (Diane) of Indianapolis, IN, CWO3 James von Plueren (Tina) of Havelock, NC, Brian von Plueren (Debra) of Lubbock, TX and Samuel von Plueren of the home; one sister: Lynnette Merckel (Bill) of Hamilton, OH; 8 grandchildren: Alex, Hannah, Hunter, Hanna, Halle, Steven, Marsha, Michelle, Glen, Travis, Tanya and Tasha; 7 great grandchildren: Raelynn, Ben, Alex, Abby, Aubree, Darien and Luke; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Claude was preceded in death by an infant daughter: Donna Ann von Plueren and two sisters: Susan Corrine Brockman and Cynthia Ann Jerdon. Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 am, Thursday, November 18, 2010 in the St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church with Father Mike Murphy officiating. Helping Father Murphy as servers were Dave and Charlotte Voudrie. Organist Evelyn Horine led the congregation in singing “Amazing Grace”, “Be Not Afraid”, “On Eagle’s Wings” and “How Great Thou Art”. Serving as escorts were the United States Army. Burial with military honors followed in the Long Hollow Cemetery. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Claude Gordon von Plueren

November 10, 1946 - November 10, 2010