John R. "Randy" Klauss Sr.

John R. "Randy" Klauss Sr., 81, of Evansville, passed away Wednesday, September 19, 2007, at Pine Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation. He was born February 4, 1926, in Evansville to John Klauss and Roxie D. (Riggs).

He graduated from Bosse High School in 1944. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served in active duty in WWII stationed in the British West Indies. He received training to be a medical technologist while in the service. When WWII came to an end, he returned to Evansville. Randy began working in the laboratory department at Deaconess Hospital. When the Korean Conflict began he returned back to active duty, serving at a hospital in the Great Lakes. After the Korean Conflict he returned to Deaconess and worked in various capacities in the lab until his retirement in 1991. He joined Salem U.C.C. (Heusler) when he married Marilyn in 1958. In his quiet way he cared deeply for his church family.

Randy had various hobbies throughout his life. In his younger years he enjoyed playing football and baseball. During his married life he was an avid golfer and bowler. He enjoyed watching all sports, especially University of Evansville basketball. Randy also had a passion for antique automobiles. He and Marilyn were lifetime members of "T.O.T.A.C." (The Olde Tyme Auto Club).

Although Randy retired from the naval reserves in 1979, he remained a Navy man at heart. He was very patriotic and had tremendous admiration and respect for all those serving our country.

Randy has endured many trials since his head injury in 1999 from a fall on the ice. His strength through this has amazed all whose lives he has touched.

Randy was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Marilyn (Uebelhack) Klauss, and son, John R. Klauss Jr.

He is survived by sons, William E. Klauss Sr. and wife, Debbie, of Charleston, S.C., and Robert R. Klauss and wife, Christa, of Evansville; daughter, Teri Nolan and husband, David, of Evansville; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Services will be 3 p.m. Sunday, September 23, 2007, at Salem U.C.C. (Heusler), 11325 E. Old Lower Mt. Vernon Rd, Evansville, IN, officiated by Chaplain Joe Foster, with burial in Salem U.C.C. (Heusler) Cemetery. The Vanderburgh County Retired Veterans Memorial Club will conduct military rites at the cemetery. Friends may visit Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. at Alexander West Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to Salem U.C.C. (Heusler) or the Deaconess Foundation, 600 Mary St., Evansville, IN 47710. Condolences may be made online at www.mem.com. Arrangements by Alexander West Chapel, 2100 West Illinois Street.

September 20, 2007

Bill and Teri, I am saddened to read about your dad. He was a great man and he made me laugh as he was always trying to get John Jr. and me to be more than friends while we were all at Deaconess. I think of your family often during the holidays as I still have the beautiful hanging Christmas music box made from acorns your mother made for John Jr. to give me one Christmas. You dad and your brother always held a special place in my heart.

Debbie (Marcoccia) Poelhuis (Fleetwood, PA)

September 20, 2007

I am greatly sorry for your loss. I went to nursing school at Deaconess from 1961-1964, then worked there until 1970 on "old" 5500. I greatly admired and respected Randy very much.

Brenda "Leslie" Schraner (Owensboro, KY)

September 21, 2007

My heartfelt sympathy to the family of Randy. We go back many years ago working at Deaconess Hospital.

Linda Burton

September 21, 2007

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.

Lori and Kenny Meyer (Evansville, IN)