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Klaus Westphal Obituary
Klaus Westphal
March 20, 1939 - July 31, 2023
MADISON - Klaus Westphal passed away peacefully on July 31, 2023, in Madison, WI.
Klaus was born in Berlin, German,y in 1939. After receiving his PhD from the University of Tuebingen, he and the love of his life, his wife Margaret, took on the adventure of a lifetime and traveled by freight ship to Wisconsin, intending to stay for three years. There, Klaus became Director of the UW-Madison Geology Museum, a position he held for 34 years, where among other things he led a team to collect and restore the first dinosaur to be displayed in Wisconsin.
He is remembered for his absolute curiosity and enthusiasm for life; his love of his family, of singing and of music; and most of all for his kind heart.
Klaus is survived by his wife Margaret; his three daughters and their families: Barbara and Marty Lowitz (Daniel, Jaime, Nicholas, Matthias); Marianne and Jason Vincent (Sydney and Alice); and Christine and Peter Thompson (Sadie and Lukas); his brother, Walter; and sister, Irmgard (Radebold). He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilhelm and Irmgard (Henze) and his siblings Frank and Irene (Kunkel).
The service will be held on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at Lutheran Church of the Living Christ at 110 N. Gammon Road in Madison. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a service at 11:00 a.m., and lunch to follow. All are welcome.
No gifts or flowers are necessary, though favorite memories of Klaus are welcomed. If anyone would like to express sympathy with a donation, please consider a gift to a cause near to your heart
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Klaus Westphal
6 Entries
Elma (Ellie) Metzloff
August 12, 2023
My deepest sympathy at the loss of your wonderful Klaus. I remember him for his melodious voice. It was a pleasure to listen to him and you wanted his singing to go on and on. An original member of the Westside Warblers group, he was an integral part and we will miss him terribly. In addition to his voice, his warm personality was charming. What a compassionate and loving caregiver Margaret was for all those years. My prayers are with Margaret and her dear family whom I met at the service. With love, Elma (Ellie) Metzloff
Craig Pfister
August 6, 2023
I first met Klaus as a student volunteer on the Faith, South Dakota dinosaur dig. The experience was so positive and influential that I continued working with Klaus and the Geology Museum for many years. During numerous excavations and projects Klaus was always positive, encouraging, and kind. In so many ways he made the Geology Museum a better place.
I cannot imagine how different my life would be without Klaus and I am so very grateful for his support and friendship.
My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Korey Kopp
August 4, 2023
When I saw the obituary picture, I thought Mr. Westphal looked familiar. Reading his obituary, I realize that I remember meeting him many years ago when I attended an event at the Geology Museum with my young nephews. He made an impression. Sending my sympathy to his family and friends.
Nancy & Steve Kurr & family
August 4, 2023
Klaus' love of music was obvious. His children and grandchildren carry on this love. He and Margaret have both been strong supporters of the music programs in Middleton. Klaus, we will talking with you at the farmer's market, all our love to the Westphals and their extended families.
Robert Auerbach
August 4, 2023
It was such a pleasure to join Klaus at some of his music performances, accompanying him on Heidenroeslein, Lorelei, Zwi Koeningskinder and so many more German songs. Ichbin such sin Berliner, and so I truly valued conversations we had as he and Margaret participated in the sing-alongs of the Westside Warblers. My condolences to all of the family.
Scott Neuenfeld
August 3, 2023
We loved having Klaus as a member of our fitness center. He was always willing to chat, and share his stories.
A handful of years ago he provide a tour for my family at the Geology museum.
What a wonderful man!
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