Peter Bernhard Klages

Peter Bernhard Klages, 86, loving father of daughters Madelene, Deborah and Elizabeth, and cherished and honored Klages patriarch, passed away in his home Oct. 6, 2011, surrounded by the love of family. Peter was born June 19, 1925 in Berlin, Germany, to Hildegard Blum, M.D., and Victor Klages, journalist and author. Peter was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sarah (Sally) Klages, a gifted artist and writer. He is survived by his three daughters; 11 grandchildren; half-sister, Irene; and cousin, Bridget.Peter lived his young happier childhood years in Breslau, Germany, before being caught up in the Nazi horrors of World War II. Nearly all his family perished in the Holocaust, leaving him to survive alone at age 14. Much of the war years were spent at forced labor or in Terezin concentration camp. He never spoke to us children of this period of his life until we were adults, although a curtain of certain sadness hung over our home.After Liberation, Dad lived for two years in Deggendorf refugee camp in Bavaria, awaiting emigration to America. He arrived in 1947, with literally the clothes on his back and little knowledge of spoken English, but with determination to learn and to become an American. Dad always said that his life really began when he met Mom; they married in January 1949 and had a loving 50-year marriage.After serving honorably in the U.S. military, the small family of Peter, Sally and baby Madelene returned to Long Island, N.Y., where two more daughters, Deborah and Elizabeth completed their circle of love. Together, these wonderful parents raised and nurtured their three daughters. Although there were few material riches, an abundance of love, perseverance and hard work carried our family forward and provided the fundamental values upon which our own lives have been built.If something is worth doing, it is worth doing well. Dad and Mom taught us the value of working with our hands, as well as with our minds, respecting our individualism. Although neither Peter nor Sally had the opportunity to even finish high school, they had a love and respect for the written word. Their loving support allowed their children to achieve their dreams of a higher education, a goal which all three daughters attained. Peter lived to see his eighth grandchild enter college.Forced into early retirement due to illness, Dad was helped and bolstered by Mom to discover his own artistic abilities. In addition to Mom's paintings, writings and needlework, Dad's paintings and sculptures made our home special. Both achieved recognition in the many art shows they were part of. In our Long Island home, the family became self-sufficient in vegetables, as the entire backyard gradually gave way to the greens, reds and yellows of botanical opulence.After sending all three daughters to college in Minnesota, Peter and Sally moved to Goodview to be closer to most of their growing family. Although the loss of his soulmate, Sally, in 1999, was nearly beyond endurance, Peter found acceptance and lived a quietly busy life, always continuing to emotionally support his daughters and grandchildren. He was an avid reader and supporter of the public library, attended aquafitness at the YMCA and continued gardening. Dad's cooking skills are legendary, and he filled his freezers, as well as those of his daughters, with home-grown vegetables, goulash, soups and his "fire water" vegetable drink.Peter also traveled to many of the places he had planned to see with his Sally. He enjoyed short trips around Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as longer excursions to Vancouver, Alaska, the Caribbean, England, Ireland and Denmark until age and illness forced him to halt.We wish to thank the many caring health care professionals who helped care for our dad through these past several years. In particular, Dr. Nolan and his nurse, Lois, have earned our admiration.A long and honorable life has come to an end. Peter lived, loved and founded a family of 14. Daughter Madelene, her children Kim, Maja and Pelle; daughter Deborah, her children Shai, Danya, Ilan, Ari, Naeh and Teva; and daughter Elizabeth and her children Kean and Teah. We will all remember his words, his laughter and his love.Let the joy of his life illuminate the pain of our sorrow. We celebrate his life, and will pass on the torch he lit to the generations to follow.Y'varech'cha Adonai v'yishm'recha. Ya'er Adonai panav elecha vichuneka. Yisa Adonai panav elecha, v'yasem l'cha shalom.May God bless you and keep you. May God watch over you in kindness. May God grant you a life of good health, joy and peace.