Frederick Carlton Klaus, age 79 of Rhinelander, WI, passed away on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at his home.
He was born on March 22, 1937 in Clintonville, WI to Walter and Valeria (Schoofs) Klaus. Mr. Klaus graduated from Clintonville High School in 1955 and then attended the UW-Madison where he earned a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1959. While at the university, he was a member of the Triangle Fraternity. Following college, he was hired by the Heil Company of Milwaukee, WI where he worked for three years until he was recruited by Caterpillar Tractor Company in 1963. Mr. Klaus was employed with Caterpillar for 37 years until his retirement in 1999. On November 12, 1977, he married Lois Ann Hartzell in Edgerton, WI. As a wedding gift to one another, they purchased a lake cottage in Rhinelander. In 2000, they converted the cottage to a permanent residence where they could enjoy the Northwoods to its fullest.
Mr. Klaus is survived by his daughter, Krista (Adam) Matyska of Harshaw, WI; a grandson, Maddux Matyska; a sister, Sylvia (Jim) Malloy of Elgin, IL; and a brother, Walter (Rita) Klaus of Fond du Lac, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his wife, Lois in 2002.
A graveside service for Mr. Klaus will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at Milton Lawns Memorial Park in Janesville, WI. Carlson Funeral Home of Rhinelander is assisting with arrangements and condolences to the family may be directed at www.carlsonfh.com.