Klaus Wahle

Klaus Wahle, born April 10, 1943 in Germany, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2022 in his home in Fairfax. He is survived by his two sisters, his two daughters Erika Dumene and Christy Knight, three grandsons, two step-grandchildren, and many nephews, nieces, and great-nephews and great-nieces.

Klaus was born in the eastern part of Germany. Later, when his family immigrated to the US, 14 year-old Klaus had to learn a new language and navigate a new culture; he succeeded in both. Throughout his life he maintained a fondness for his German heritage, including the food, beer, and wine.

He spent a number of years in the Chicago area, earning his Engineering degree from University of Illinois and then working for Underwriter’s Laboratories. When he moved to the Washington, DC area, he worked for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), formerly the Bureau of Standards, and continued his 30+ year career with the federal government by working for the US Coast Guard until his retirement.

While living in Maryland, Klaus met Susan and they soon married and settled in Fairfax, Virginia. Susan and her family introduced Klaus to summer visits to the North Carolina beaches, which became a favorite family tradition for him as well. When Susan passed away from cancer in 1991, Klaus continued to work full time while also single-parenting their two daughters. He never remarried.

A quiet man with a wry sense of humor, Klaus was well known in his neighborhood for his daily miles-long walks, rain or shine; an activity he maintained right up until his death. He enjoyed reading, traveling, dogs, and spending time with his grandchildren. With a little coaxing, he was up for a variety of adventures, including kayaking in Alaska, getting on a bicycle for the first time in decades to celebrate his 75th birthday, and travel to places on and beyond his bucket list, such as Europe, South Africa, and (a desire to visit) Patagonia.

A celebration of life gathering will be held at the Winery at Bull Run in Manassas, Virginia on Friday, July 29 from 11:30am-2pm, with a short memorial service and remembrances at noon.