WILLIAMSBURG — Robert Frederic “Fritz” Klausner, 82, died Monday, Oct. 19, 2020, as a result of a brain hemorrhage from a head injury and after a heroic 18-year battle with prostate cancer.
Fritz is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kathleen “Kathy” Dougherty Klausner; son, Mark, and daughter-in-law, Mindy Klausner, of Reisterstown, Maryland; daughter, Karen, and son-in-law, John Hoffman, of Half Moon Bay, California; six beloved grandchildren, Morgan, Matthew, Michael, McKenna, Maggie and Callie; sisters, Deborah Osen Hancock of Fullerton, California, and Mary Ann Klausner of Eugene, Oregon; and brother, Karl Klausner of Danville, California. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Francis Klausner; and mother, Dorothy Chenoweth Klausner.
Born Aug. 27, 1938, Fritz was part of a fourth generation that called Bakersfield, California, home. After graduating from Garces Memorial High School, Fritz earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Bakersfield Junior College. Next, he accepted an appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA/Kings Point), embarking on the first step of a long-held desire for an international career. In 1962, he graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Transportation, a U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate’s License and a Commission in the U.S. Naval Reserve.
Over the next three years, Fritz raised his U.S. Coast Guard License to Chief Mate and sailed in the Merchant Marine to many exciting countries in Africa, South America and Scandinavia. His most life-changing port of call, however, was Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he reconnected with the love of his life, Kathy, who he had briefly met as a cadet at Kings Point. They married in 1964 and Fritz soon stopped sailing to return to school, graduating in the top of his class with a Masters of Business Administration from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He was elected to Beta Gamma Sigma, the international Business Honor Society. Upon graduation, Fritz launched a 33-year career with Exxon International.
Progressing through a variety of positions over the years, Fritz and his family had the opportunity to live in England on two different occasions, from 1975 to 1980 and from 1997 to 2000. In 2000, Fritz retired as president of Exxon’s international shipping company in Southampton, England. In 2001, after moving to Williamsburg, Fritz joined the Board of American Eagle Tankers (AET), a Singaporean, later Malaysian, shipping company, where he served another 12 years, retiring as deputy chairman of the company. During his time with AET, one of his proudest accomplishments was establishing a program to bring Malaysian students from the Malaysian Maritime Academy to the USMMA. In ensuing years, 12 of these students graduated from Kings Point.
While living in Williamsburg, Fritz joined the Middle Plantation Club, where he enjoyed the club’s lively discussions and rich comradery of many friends. Always the student, Fritz regularly took a full load of classes at Christopher Wren (Osher), the College of William & Mary’s adult education program, honing his cocktail conversation on ancient map making, jazz, opera, and, of course, brushing up on his Spanish language skills.
Too much a part of his DNA to call it a hobby, Fritz loved and lived for adventure. Whether he was pursuing a wild animal in the African jungle, hiking New Zealand’s Milford Track, peaking Mount Kilimanjaro, visiting all seven continents or sailing across the Atlantic in a 36-foot sailboat with his longtime friend Alan, Fritz never was known to take small bites out of life. This contagious enthusiasm, along with his integrity, loyalty, dependability, mischievous irreverence and deep love and commitment to family, are his legacy.
Two small family celebrations of life are planned for both the east and west coasts.
Donations in remembrance of Fritz may be sent to Hospice House & Support Care of Williamsburg, 4445 Powhatan Parkway, Williamsburg, VA 23188.
Share online condolences with the family at Nelsen Funeral Home.
