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Klemens Wilhelm von Klemperer
Klemens Wilhelm von Klemperer
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Klemens von Klemperer Obituary
Von Klemperer was an emeritus professor of history at Smith College in Northampton. His Dec. 23 death of natural causes at his home in Easthampton was confirmed Monday by his son, James von Klemperer.
Klemens von Klemperer wrote numerous books and articles related to German and central European history, including "German Resistance Against Hitler: The Search for Allies Abroad, 1938-1945."
"He felt his greatest accomplishment was to give a balanced view of this period of German history, that while it was dominated by evil and by terrible misuse of power, that there were some good Germans who tried to make a difference and change this," said James von Klemperer.
Von Klemperer was born in Berlin and became one of the leaders of the anti-Nazi student movement in Vienna, Austria until he fled to the United States in 1938.
He enrolled at Harvard University, but his studies were interrupted in the 1940s by service in the U.S. Army. He received a doctorate from Harvard in 1949 and soon began teaching at Smith College.
Von Klemperer retired from Smith in 1987, but continued to teach classes at Smith and Amherst colleges, and the University of Massachusetts. At the time of his death, he still had an office at Smith.
His son said he continued writing well into his 90s and was an avid outdoorsman. He was a lifetime member of the Appalachian Mountain Club and made annual trips to the White Mountains in New Hampshire.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
24 Entries
Stephen Woodward
April 24, 2018
One of my favorite history professors. I was sad to find his obituary, but grateful to have studied under him.
Uta Hershey
January 23, 2014
Professor von Klemperer was my advisor throughout my years at Smith. In 2011 I emailed him after reading his last book and we had a to and fro series of emails that I will cherish always. He suggested after several emails that I think about writing. That was the biggest compliment of my life. My heart goes out to his family and I will always think of him.
Diane Hellens
January 23, 2013
As a student of Professor von Klemperer's from the 1970's, please let me extend my condolences. Those of us who were lucky enough to study with him, remember him always as a challenging and engaging professor. Sincerely, Diane Hellens
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Suzanne Hoffman
January 21, 2013
Dr. Von Klemperer's class "Europe Between the Two World Wars" was an enlightening experience for me. I recognized my fascination with history and inability to understand human nature in believing the lies that were so prevalent. I will always remember how my naive understanding of the world was shattered and enlightened at once. My mother also send her condolences as a classmate of Elizabeth's in '44.
January 15, 2013
MAY YOU BE COMFORTED BY THE WORDS OF GOD.I-I MYSELF AM THE ONE THAT IS COMFORTING YOU PEOPLE."""""M
Marie M
January 11, 2013
May the God of all comfort gives you strength during this time of grief.
January 11, 2013
Please allow me to express my sympathy on your loss.
Sincerely,
Chuck Swartz
Mycena B Dickerson
January 11, 2013
Dear Family, I read with interest a statement that Mr. Klemperer made that even though there were some Germans who misused their power and were terrible there were also some good Germans. I don't think I've ever heard of that or though it was possible ! Thank you for that enlightenment. I take comfort in the fact that very soon there will be a government that will bring world wide peace. (Daniel 2:44) This will comfort you too.
January 9, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Tami B
January 9, 2013
I truly enjoy his work. I have been reading his body of work since Junior High. My sympathies to his family but what a long life well lived. He educated many.
Maggie Williams
January 8, 2013
There is no greater honor or courage than in One who will stand against Evil even at the risk of his or her own life.
Rest in Peace
michelle plakas-kaiser
January 8, 2013
rip
Ed
January 8, 2013
James, I'm so sorry to learn of your father's passing. May you and your family have comfort in prayer at this time of bereavement. Psalms 65:2
Mary Lou and Bob Heiss
January 7, 2013
Professor von Klemperer was one of the first Smith faculty members that we met when we moved to Northampton in the 1970's.
He was always pleasant, a joy to encounter, which we did regularly when he shopped in our specialty food store.
Dr von Klemperer loved Dresdener stollen at the holidays - every year we would make sure that we had a good supply on hand for him, as we dared not disappoint!
We will miss his cheerfulness and conversation - he always wanted to know what we were doing and we him.
It has been our pleasure to have known him; and our best wishes go to his wife and family at this time.
Karin Miller
January 7, 2013
What a life fully lived. It was an honor, within my lifetime...to have met him.
January 6, 2013
Dear Kathy,
My condolences to you. What an accomplished and extraordinary man!
Elisabeth Evans
Evelyn McCoy
January 4, 2013
Dear Betty and Family,
God bless you and your family, I miss seeing you at the grocery store when we would catch up on times past. Stay well and know I will be remembering Klemens in my prayers.
Love Always, Evie McCoy
me this week on a mountain in Aspen
kate bulkley
January 4, 2013
KVK was my professor at Smith in the late 70s. I graduated in 1981. Wonderful teacher and a kind man. And my father (who also passed away in 2012) loved meeting him - they talked skiing and Nazi Germany with equal fervour. I have seen KVK over the years on campus since and he always had a smile and was interested in my life. he had an amazing and influential life for many of us, including myself and I am grateful. I send my condolences on passing. Best wishes, Kate Bulkley Smith class of 81 and a Modern European History major.
Goria and Istvan Deak
January 3, 2013
Dear Elizabeth, we infinitely regret not having seen you two in the last few years; yet we often, very often talked about you, and now are sad not to be able to lay eyes on dear Klemens again. But then, what an admirable, useful, and dignified ife he lived. Most affectionately, Gloria and Istvan
January 2, 2013
Betty & family,
Sorry to hear about your loss, I have great memories of Klemens at Smith.
Sandy Bycenski
December 27, 2012
My deepest condolences to you and your family. May you find comfort in your memories. - Walter
December 27, 2012
Cathy, Jamie, Betty, Will and Annie--My sincere sympathies are with you as you remember your dad, husband, and grandfather. He had a rich and fulfilled life and will be missed by all. Love, Deb Ashton
Andrew Dell'Antonio
December 26, 2012
Many happy memories of Klemens on Washington Avenue. I am grateful to have known him and rejoice in his long life and influential scholarship. Sending blessings of comfort to Betty and all.
Andrew (Dell'Antonio)
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