William Allan Klaus

William Allan Klaus was born November 13, 1944, in Portland, Oregon, the son of the late Galen Harold Klaus and Barbara Vivian (Carter) Klaus. He was raised and received his education in Portland, having been a graduate of the Grant High School Class of 1962. Upon his high school graduation he attended Portland State University, having received a bachelor’s degree in Police Studies and Political Science.

He was a Veteran of the Vietnam era, having joined the United States Army on May 27, 1963, in Portland, Oregon. Bill served for three years, until he received his honorable discharge on October 20, 1965, at the rank (aviation mechanic), SP5. He served in the 31Q Avionics Rpmn, stationed in Germany, between East & West. He received the sharpshooter (rifle) award.

Bill was united in marriage to Linda Cheryl Gusterine/Bunnell on August 2, 1987, in Portland, Oregon. They celebrated their 37th Wedding Anniversary this past August. Following their marriage they resided in Sandy, Oregon, until 2018, when they moved to the Forest Grove community, where they have resided since.

He served as a patrol officer with the Portland Police Bureau for twenty-eight years, until May 15, 1999, when he retired. He received the Dennis Darden Award, presented by the Optimist Club of Lloyd Center for outstanding officer of the year in 1995.

Among his special interests, he enjoyed rebuilding cars and engines, his current project was rebuilding a 1961 Chevrolet Belaire bubble top.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gaylen and Barbara Klaus.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Klaus, of the family home in Forest Grove, Oregon; his two sons and a daughter-in-law, Jeff and Jennifer Klaus, of Happy Valley, Oregon and Steve Klaus, of Forest Grove, Oregon; his brother, Dave Klaus, of Tigard, Oregon and his three sisters and a brother-in-law, Jeanie Effinger, of Beaverton, Oregon; Janet Jackson, of Sandy, Oregon and Shirley and Joey Valentine, of Eugene, Oregon.

Also surviving are his four grandchildren: Sadie Klaus, Natalie Klaus, new bride Abbi Kassen (Ashton), Allie Klaus (fiancé Ladd McLaughlin) and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family suggests that remembrances may be contributions to Doctors Without Borders, USA at: give.doctorswithoutborders.org