Klaus Truemper

Klaus Truemper, age 83, of Plano, Texas, passed away Saturday, July 12, 2025 in Weld County, Colorado.

 

Klaus was born during World War II in Berlin to Alfons and Maria Trümper. After the war, the family emigrated to Köln in West Germany to escape the communist dictatorship in East Germany. Due to financial hardship caused by his father's illness, Klaus and his brothers Stefan and Jens interrupted high school to apprentice as mechanics to support the family. Klaus and his brother Stefan emigrated to the US in the 1960s.

 

In 1970, Klaus married Ute Balschuweit in Leichlingen, Germany. Daughter Ingrid and son Martin arrived soon after in the US.

 

Despite his early hardships, Klaus earned master's and doctorate degrees and was a professor of Operations Research and Computer Science at the University of Texas at Dallas for 52 years. He was a talented teacher popular for his ability to explain complex ideas in an accessible way.

 

Klaus was passionate about flying and was a pilot for 46 years. Together with expert builder Mel Asberry, Klaus constructed a small experimental plane that he flew for 30 years.

 

Klaus maintained his remarkable zest for life in retirement. He continued his research as Professor Emeritus, writing books on mathematics, philosophy, and brain science. Klaus swam daily, and loved to hike and camp. He often flew to national parks or to visit family and friends whom he would enthusiastically help with home improvement projects. Read more about Klaus's books and adventures.

 

Klaus lived life to the fullest right up to his last day. He had flown to Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming to hike in the mountains he loved. At 83, Klaus still undertook strenuous hikes such as the 10-mile trek with 3000+ foot elevation gain to magnificent Amphitheater Lake. On his way home to Texas, after crossing the Rocky Mountains, Klaus's plane went down in Colorado.

 

Klaus is survived by his wife of 55 years, Ute Truemper, daughter Ingrid, son Martin, and brothers Stefan and Jens and their families.

 

No formal services are planned. Klaus's ashes will be scattered in his beloved mountains, but he will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him.