Robert R. Klaus, Jr.

Robert R. Klaus, age 49, of Saint Peters, Missouri passed away on Thursday, May 2, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Alton, Illinois on January 13, 1975 to Robert and Carol Klaus (nee Meszaros).

Rob was a man of many interests. A mechanical engineer by trade, he followed in his father's footsteps, working 15 years at O'Brien/Ametek Corporation upon getting an education at Louis and Clark College, even being inducted to the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society in 2006.

He preferred the outdoors and that of an Ozark stream to the hustle and bustle of city living. Summers saw him fishing a trout stream or hiking a nature trail, and by late fall, you could spot him in the duck blinds with his hunting buddies. He worked with his local Ducks Unlimited chapter out of O’Fallon/St. Paul on local wetland conservation. In his early days of working at a local habitat rehabilitation center, he would care for all sorts of wildlife which began a lifelong passion for animal rescue. And he, of course, loved dogs, especially his “fur babies”, Bella and Ellie.

His true calling, though, would be history. Rob was an amateur archeologist who loved digging into history. Literally. He had a great love for prehistoric Native American artifacts and ancient cultural centers. He was well versed in geology and taught flint knapping of lithic tools and restoration. His love of history also led to numerous adventures to the Riviera Maya region of Mexico to see the ruins and temples and take in the culture, even proposing to his fiancée on the top of a Mayan pyramid. Rob was also a Civil War history buff who could be found mapping out the battle sites for his next road trip.

Rob pursued many side hobbies as well, including photography, culinary arts, auto restoration, making a mean margarita, grilling, gardening, hockey, baseball, and even paranormal research with his para-family, to which he devoted a deep curiosity of the past, the present, and to those in the ever after.

Rob's wit and humor, mixed with sarcasm and natural charisma, made him an immediate friend to so many. He eventually found the love of his life, Heather, in 2016 and they were engaged June, 2017. He was loyal and always willing to be there for others and, so in turn, it was those friends who helped him get through the last, and most difficult, chapter of his life. In August 2023, he was diagnosed with aggressive forms of liver and lung cancer, to which he fought with dignity. Despite his prognosis, he managed to keep his sense of humor till the end. In his own words, he’s eternally grateful to have known each of you and your friendship was never taken for granted. His legacy will live on in all those lives he touched.

Rob is survived by his beloved fiancée, Heather Wehrmann; treasured stepdaughters, Lilianne and Livia Sullivan; loving parents, Robert R. Klaus, Sr., and Carol Klaus; and sisters, Deborah (Jerry) Meredith and Patricia Klaus. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and many friends that will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Jerry (wife Patti survives) Klaus and James Klaus.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Lewis and Clark Community College Foundation for the Robert Ronald Klaus Jr. Memorial Scholarship. In doing so, please make checks payable to Lewis and Clark Community College Foundation and write Klaus Scholarship in the memo line. Mail your gift to 5800 Godfrey Rd., Godfrey, IL 62035. Further information regarding the specifics of this scholarship can be provided upon request.

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