Robert Merrill "Bob" Klaucke

Robert "Bob" Merrill Klaucke, 80, longtime Worcester resident, passed away Sunday, October 5, 2025 in the comfort of his home. Bob leaves his brother, Ronald Klaucke and his wife Katherine Shapter, of Auburn, MA, his nephews Christian Klaucke, of Natick, MA and Jonathan Klaucke, of Sandpoint, ID, along with as many cousins and close friends – especially Paul and Bob Huikku, as well as Sascha Eiblmayr.

Bob was born in Washington, D.C., son of the late Rowland and Dorothy (Ehler) Klaucke. He was raised in Worcester graduating from North High School before studying psychology and mathematics at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Bob went on to serve his country proudly training as an Air Force pilot before taking on managerial roles in Guam then Great Falls, Montana and ultimately attained the rank of Captain. He subsequently earned a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Montana-Missoula and then spent years as a social worker providing career guidance in the prison system there. In the late 1980's, Bob returned to Massachusetts and aided his uncles with their commercial fishing business out of Chatham before working in the federal government's boat buyback program in Gloucester. He went on to have his own clamming business in Ipswich. Always civically-minded, Bob also enjoyed working as a substitute teacher in the Worcester public school system. In the early 2000's, he moved in to care for his ailing mother for over 10 years.

A consummate lover of athletics, nature, and the ocean, Bob enjoyed tennis at Dean Park, walks in the woods, freshwater fishing (including large ice-fishing gatherings), along with being on the open sea. He was a voracious reader and lifelong learner frequenting area bookshops and local libraries.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a local animal shelter.

There will be a memorial service at 11AM on Tuesday, December 16th at the First Congregational Church of Auburn, located at 128 Central Street. This will be followed by a catered lunch for all who attend.