Robert Edward Klausmeier

Robert (Bob, Doc) Edward Klausmeier, 93, died peacefully Saturday, October 5th 2019 at Hearthstone Health Campus in Bloomington. He retained his sense of humor through his last days. He is survived by his four children Robert Jr. of Carmel, Stephen of Hartsville, South Carolina, Jane of Owen County, and Sarah Fritz of Missoula, Montana. His loving wife of fifty-nine years, Mary Rita, predeceased him in 2010. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and two brothers, Richard of Greenwood and Allen of Atlanta, GA. He was born June 6 1926, the son of Edward and Louise (Ulrich) Klausmeier and grew up in Evansville, IN. He was a Disabled-Veteran of World War II where he received a Purple Heart. After discharge, he entered Indiana University and earned two degrees. He then earned his doctorate from Louisiana State University. His career included research at the Army Biological Warfare Laboratories, and teaching at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette prior to becoming a Research Microbiologist and Science Administrator at the Crane Naval Weapons Support Center. At Crane, his primary research was on bio-deterioration of materials, primarily plastics. Bob was committed to his work, but never as much as his commitment to his family. He coached his kids in sports and mentored them in all aspects of life. He was active in his church, serving in many roles at both St. John the Apostle and St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Churches. He served on the Citizens’ Advisory Council to the Solid Waste Management District, the Advisory Council to VITAL (Volunteers in Tutoring Adult Learners) and was a twenty-five-year tutor in VITAL. He also served for many years on the Board of Directors and Treasurer of East Monroe water Corporation. He was a lifelong IU Football and Basketball season ticket-holder, rarely missing a game. Bob enjoyed painting, being silly with the grandkids, cooking, and eating his favorite foods (which were varied and many) and reading at least 2 books at a time. He was a friend to all he met. His was a life of kindness to all. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held in Bob’s honor on October 20th in The President’s Room, located in the Indiana University Memorial Union 2-5 P.M. Guests may be dropped off at the rear of the Student Union, adjacent to the Auditorium, with parking in the IMU parking lot In lieu of flowers, donations to VITAL are Bob’s wish.