Martin Klaus, 77, Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at VPI&SU, died peacefully at home Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Blacksburg after a courageous battle with cancer.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Silvia; his children Anne-Louise Klaus with Heikki Topi and Philip Klaus; brother Georg Klaus with Dagmar; and grandchildren Leila and Saara Topi. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marta and Ernst, and a beloved uncle, August (Gusti).
Born in 1946 in Switzerland, he grew up wanting to work for the railroad like his father. At 14, his academic potential was recognized by a teacher who convinced his parents to send him to high school. Martin studied mathematical physics at the ETH (Eidgenoessische Technische Hochschule) in Zurich through his master’s and received his PhD and Habilitation (secondary doctorate) at the University of Zurich. Following a post-doc at Princeton University and a visiting professorship at the University of Virginia, he returned to Europe briefly before receiving an invitation from the Mathematics Department at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. At VPI & SU, he served for 40 years as a mathematics professor, dedicating his life to his students and his research.
Martin was very much a family man, and he loved coaching soccer, going hiking, camping, and spending time with his family. He was an avid chess player and “do-it-yourselfer,” and he loved playing the piano. Martin excelled at and enjoyed skiing and mountain climbing and was, like his father before him, in the mountaineering division of the Swiss Army.
A service of remembrance will be held Saturday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. at the Blacksburg Presbyterian Church, 701 Church St. in Blacksburg. Those who wish to remember Martin in a special way may make a donation in his memory to Doctor’s Without Borders or the Blue Ridge Cancer Center (BCC) in Blacksburg.
