Kevin Klaus

Kevin was a large man in the world: he was large in his body, tall and sturdy and long of hair, as he was large in his booming voice and his infectious laughter, as he was in his spirit and his huge loving heart, and as he was in his impact on everyone he met.

He was a complicated man to be sure: brilliant and profane, funny and sharp, long-winded and a great listener, strong and sensitive, boisterous and tender, obstinate and endearing.

And still, somehow, he always delivered it all with a humble and self-effacing warmth.

He had plenty of challenges, as we all do, and just as many gifts.

He was an eloquent speaker and writer, a spirited teacher and coach, a sincere singer and giver of hilarious toasts, a ferocious football player and a gifted actor, a tie-dyed hippy who venerated Las Vegas.

He loved music and celebration, sports and theatre, dogs and art, the ocean and the sky, San Francisco and Florida, the Grateful Dead and New Orleans funk, just as much as he loved Shakespeare, and Star Wars, and Magnum, P.I.

Following the proud traditions of the Klaus and Poling families, Kevin was at his best when he was in service to others.

He was a tireless champion of the underdog, and had a special way of uplifting the ones who struggle and feel left out. He was a mentor and advisor to many rising stars, and was beloved by his many students.

He was preceded in death by his mother Jean Klaus, and his grandparents Mary and Emmett, and Robert and Lura.

He is survived and missed by his dad Andy, and his sisters and brothers, Jenny and Mike, and Dave and Alycia, his nieces and nephews Theo and Mya, and Enzo and Anya, as well as his beloved uncles and aunts and cousins, who will all carry his memory forward.

A Celebration of Kevin's Life will be held on the afternoon of Saturday, September 26th, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio, where family and friends will gather to share stories and remembrance.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Kevin's memory with a donation to the Alpha-1 Foundation, whose work offers hope through research, education, and support for families affected by Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Donations may be made at alpha1.org/donate.

Kevin was always larger than life, and his passing leaves a hole just as large—one that will forever be filled with love, gratitude, and laughter.