Paul Gene Klaus

Paul Gene Klaus, 80, of Freeport, died Tuesday April 4, 2017 at FHN Memorial Hospital. Paul was born Saturday November 7, 1936 in Freeport, Illinois the son of Henry and Grace (Ammerman) Klaus. Paul was baptized at four weeks of age and confirmed on May 21, 1948 at Saint John's United Church of Christ. Paul attended Center School for the first six years of schooling and then Freeport Junior High School for two years. He graduated from Freeport High School in 1954. Paul loved basketball; he scored 36 points, a school record that lasted for many years at Freeport High School. Paul took up bowling, which he also championed, winning the City Tournament in singles in 1956-1957 and doubles in 1955-56. Paul enjoyed Southern Gospel Music, the Chicago White Sox and spending time with his children, nieces and nephews. He loved and was inspired by Eagles. Paul married Beulah Mae Brudi on April 20, 1958 at Christ Lutheran Church, Stockton, Illinois. To which two children were born to this union: Melinda Joy and Paul Gene II. Paul was a 37 year employee of Micro Switch. He attended Immanuel Lutheran Church. He was a member of the Y.M.C.A. and enjoyed having coffee with friends at Donuts Delite. Surviving are his wife, Beulah Mae Klaus of Freeport; daughter, Melinda Joy (Oscar) Rhea of Freeport; one sister Audrey Spahr of Freeport; two sister-in-laws, Jeanne Klaus of Freeport and Carol (Wayne) Westaby of Lena, three brothers-in-law, Armin (Jolene) Brudi of Rock Grove and George (Mary) Brudi of Marinette, WI.; and Jack Foster of Yorba Linda, CA.; eleven nieces, eight nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his father, Henry on February 6, 1976; his mother, Grace on May 1, 1980 son, Paul Gene Klaus II on January 1, 1976; brother, Robert on September 18, 2003; sister, Gloria Suttman on November 27, 2006; and brother-in-laws, Bill Siegmeier, Harry Spahr, and Roland Suttman; and sister-in-law, Evelyn Ann Foster. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday April 8, 2017 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, with Rev. Dr. Willis Schwichtenberg and Pastor Steven Geske officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at Immanuel Lutheran. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for Immanuel Lutheran Church in Paul's memory. Please sign his guestbook at www.burketubbs.com