Date of death: 7/10/2008
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1967
Robert Klausing, 67, died at his residence.He was born November 18, 1940, in Lima to George J. and Marie M. Gerdeman Klausing. His father preceded him in death. His mother survives in Lima. On Aug. 31, 1963, he married Jane E. Lengerich, who survives in Lima.Mr. Klausing retired in 2001 as owner of Cafeteria Programs Inc. He was a teacher and coach at Bishop Hartley High School, Columbus, and started the Head Start Program in Lima. He then went to Atlanta University, where he worked in its poverty program. He worked with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement promoting literacy and voting rights. He was deputy director of the Poverty Program (OEO) Region 8, Denver, under President Richard Nixon. He left the government to own two food establishments in Colorado. In 1984, he moved back to Lima where he became an insurance agent for Prudential Insurance.He was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church. He was a member of Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks Lodge 54 and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 370. He was a graduate of Lima Central Catholic High School, attended Saint Meinrad Seminary, received his bachelor’s degree in education from The Ohio State University and his master’s degree in education from Toledo University. He enjoyed horses, his grandchildren, telling stories and cooking.Survivors also include a son, Ernie (Leslie) Klausing, of Pueblo, Colo.; a daughter, Anita (Robert) Harkins, of Omaha, Neb.; six grandchildren, Phillip Klausing, Tabor Klausing, Jabey Klausing, Kevin Harkins, Grace Harkins and Emily Harkins; two brothers, Ron (Nancy) Klausing, of Kalida, and John (Karen) Klausing, of Lima; two sisters, Janet (Charles) Hatfield, of South Bend, IN, and Carol (Don) Lengerich, of Decatur, IN; and several nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by a sister, Janice Klausing.Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Lima Central Catholic High School.Published on limaohio.com on 7/11/2008