Mary Elizabeth (Messerli) Klaus passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, at the age of 92.

Mary was born in Manchester, Iowa, the youngest of five children born to John Messerli and Ethel (Haigh) Messerli. She spent her early years on a beautiful Iowa farm before moving to Manchester as a teenager. There, she met the love of her life, Paul “Ben” Klaus.

After graduating from high school, Mary earned her teaching certificate and began her career as an elementary school teacher. Ben graduated from Iowa State University as an engineer. Soon after, Mary and Ben were married, and Mary paused her teaching career to raise their family. They made their home in Ames, Iowa, where they raised two children. As a family, they treasured vacations filled with camping, hiking, skiing, sailing, and other outdoor adventures.

When her children were older, Mary returned to school at Iowa State University to earn her bachelor’s degree and resumed teaching. She taught third grade in Ames for many years and was recognized for her innovative introduction of ecology and conservation into her classroom. Mary and Ben continued to travel together, visiting many of the nation’s National Parks.

After a brief time in Indianapolis, Indiana, Mary and Ben retired to Fort Myers, Florida. Mary was well known for her beautiful quilting and her tireless volunteer work. Together, she and Ben built a rich and active retirement, surrounded by many friends. They enjoyed attending Iowa State alumni game-watch events and volunteered with Peace Lutheran Church, the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Meals on Wheels, and numerous animal shelters—reflecting Mary’s lifelong love of animals and the outdoors.

Mary experienced profound loss with the death of her daughter, Jane, on July 9, 2016.

Following Hurricane Ian in September 2022, Mary and Ben relocated to Denver, Colorado, to be closer to their son, Jeff. Ben passed away on June 8, 2023. Mary and Ben shared 67 happy years of marriage.

Mary is survived by her son, Jeff Klaus (Charlotte); her granddaughters, Emma Love (Justin), Rachel Klaus (Nicky), and Sarah Klaus (Connor); great grandson John (son of Emma and Justin) and many extended family members and friends who will miss her deeply.

Memorials in Mary’s honor may be made to support Alzheimer’s research at:

 https://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=19316&pg=personal&px=23705699