Merlin O. Klaus

Merlin O. \"Buck\" Klaus, age 95 of Highland, IL, died Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at Saint Joseph Hospital in Highland, IL. He was born on Sunday, September 23, 1917, in Old Ripley, IL, the son of Oscar G. and Anna (nee Heidel) Klaus. On Friday, July 19, 1940, he married Claudine E. Klaus (nee Voegele) who passed away on Wednesday, December 11, 2002. He was a member of Saint Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL; former member of the St. Gertrude Catholic Church-Grantfork, IL; Lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus #1580; Grantfork Volunteer Fire Department. For 42 years, Mr. Klaus owned a can and then a bulk milk trucking business, where he hauled milk from local dairy farms to St. Louis. In 1948, he was a charter member and organizer of the Grantfork Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member until age 65. He was the Mayor of Grantfork for two terms, served on the Grantfork Board, and helped get water to the Village from Highland. After retiring in 1982, he and his wife moved to Highland. In his retirement, he drove for Tri-Ford. He and his wife travelled frequently together. Mr. Klaus was a die-hard Cardinal Baseball fan. He exercised six days a week at the Korte Recreation Center, walking over 4500 miles. He communicated with friends on the computer, as well as logging his walking miles. His family was his life. His faith was very strong, reading the Bible and praying daily. He was still driving until July of 2012. Survivors include: Daughter - Joan M. (Terry) Riffel, Highland, IL Daughter - Donna M. (Don) Heffington, Grover, MO Son - Harold P. "Hal" (Patricia) Klaus, Highland, IL Son - Harold P. Klaus, Highland, IL Grandchild - Marnie E. (Mark) Deschaine, Belleville, IL Grandchild - Michael G. (Michele) Riffel, Highland, IL Grandchild - Peggy E. (John) Bauer, Chandler, AZ Grandchild - Darren R. (Michele) Marinko, Marietta, GA Grandchild - Dawn E. Heffington, Brentwood, MO Grandchild - Angela E. "Angie" (Matthew) Powers, Highland, IL Grandchild - John P. (Special Friend-Crystal Reiff) Klaus, Maryville, IL Grandchild - Patricia E. "Tricia" (Ryan) Henrichs, Highland, IL Great Grandchild - Reagan L. Deschaine Great Grandchild - Rachel C. Deschaine Great Grandchild - Jessica A. Bauer Great Grandchild - Ashley N. Bauer Great Grandchild - Garrett M. Bauer Great Grandchild - Michael D. Riffel Great Grandchild - Zachary J. Marinko Great Grandchild - Kyle A. Marinko Great Grandchild - Mae L. Riffel Great Grandchild - Logan M. Powers Great Grandchild - Layna A. Powers Great Grandchild - Halle A. Henrichs. He was preceded in death by: Wife - Claudine E. Klaus, nee Voegele (died 12/11/2002) Father - Oscar Klaus Mother - Anna Klaus Sister - Ruhenna Giale "Gerley" Scholl Duft (Died 8/2/1980) Grandchild - Jill A. Marinko (Died 12/4/1966).

Merlin O. Klaus

September 23, 1917 - May 21, 2013