Donald Klass

Dr. Donald W. Klass, age 96, passed away on December 15th, 2024 in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Klass was born in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1928. He studied and performed violin as a young man, graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Minnesota in 1948 and studied medicine at the University of Minnesota Medical School. He eventually chose to specialize in EEG. Dr. Klass joined the Mayo Clinic in Rochester in 1959, becoming a Professor of Neurology as well as the head of the EEG section for eighteen years. He also served with the US Air Force and the Air Force Reserves. Dr. Klass was a lifelong lover of classical music and travel. He was an exceptional teacher as well. He received the Teacher of the Year Award in Neurology for three years by the Mayo Fellows Association and was elected to the Teacher of the Year Hall of Fame in 1994. Dr. Klass is survived by his nephew, James Orenstein (Rosa); niece, Amy Mow (Jeff); and numerous grand nephews and nieces. Graveside service TUESDAY, Dec. 17, 2024 at 2:00pm at SONS OF ABRAHAM CEMETERY, 1250 Barclay St., St. Paul. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.