Charles Klaus

Charles Klaus age 85 of Granville, OH, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2020. Born in Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden, Germany, Charles lived in the Cleveland area after graduating from Cornell University with a Bachelor Degree, an MBA, and a Juris Doctorate.  He was Research Editor of the Cornell Law Quarterly and elected to the order of the Coif. In Cleveland, Charles was a Partner at Baker & Hostetler where he spent his entire career practicing law. At Baker & Hostetler, Charles served in various administrative capacities including Coordinator of Paralegals, Chairman of the Corporate Department of the Cleveland office and later the entire firm, and Partner –in-Charge of the Cleveland office. Mr. Klaus was active in the Cleveland community, including: Member of the Kirtland Country Club; Member of the Council of the Holden Arboretum; Trustee, Honorary Trustee, and President of the Cleveland Music School Settlement; Trustee of the Cleveland Audubon Society; Trustee and Secretary of each of the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, Cleveland Area Arts Council, and Lake Erie Opera Theater. He was also listed in Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in the World, and Who’s Who in American Law.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife Elaine Jones (nee Kelch), and is survived by his son, Charles (Patricia) Klaus of Omaha, NE; daughter, Kathryn Klaus (Giorgio) Rizzoni of Upper Arlington, OH; and son Rick (Krissann) Klaus of Aurora, IL. Charles is also survived by eight grandchildren. Charles traveled to over 60 countries, loved playing golf, bird watching, and collecting books. Along with his incredible intellect and photographic memory, he will be remembered for a mischievous twinkle in his eye and a quick wit. A memorial service will be planned in the Cleveland area at a time when friends and family are able to travel again. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charles’s name to the Holden Arboretum, 9550 Sperry Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094.