KLAUS HEINRICH KAETHOW, 87, Columbus, OH

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Klaus Kaethow announces his peaceful passing, with his sons by his side, after a courageous battle with cancer on January 30, 2026.

Klaus was born on June 28, 1938, in Bremen, Germany, to Wilhelm and Charlotte Käthow (geb. Klatt). He emigrated with his mother from Düsseldorf, West Germany to Columbus, OH, in 1959. He enlisted in the US Army in October of 1961 and served stateside at Fort Campbell, KY and Geissen US Army Depot, West Germany until his Honorable discharge in October of 1964. Soon after, he became a naturalized US citizen. Klaus was married to his beloved wife, Frances E. Kaethow (née Williams), for 62 years until her untimely death on January 28, 2024.

Klaus retired from the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company as a sales manager after a career of 40+ years. He was a man consumed by Wanderlust. His strong desire to travel, seek new places, cultures and experiences beyond Columbus drove his curiosity, a love for novelty, and a sense of freedom. His other passions included watching sports, working on crossword puzzles and reading the newspaper every day.

Klaus is survived by his sons Mark (Jill) Kaethow of Gahanna and Steven Kaethow and his partner Lara Harrington of Granville, and his stepbrother Prof. Gerhard Kiel of Bremen, Germany. Loved and treasured by his grandchildren Klaus (Tiffany) Schall of Galloway, Ryan (Hillary) Kaethow of Commercial Point, Kyle (Catherine) Kaethow of Columbus, Jered (Sarah) Cordial of Granville, Connor Kaethow of Broomfield, CO, Corey and Alyvia Kaethow of Granville. He is dearly loved and missed by many great- grandchildren along with other family members and friends.

Klaus was preceded in death by his parents, Wilhelm and Charlotte Käthow, stepmother, Elizabeth Käthow, wife, Frances Kaethow, stepson, Michael Schall and stepbrother, Peter Kiel of Moringen, Germany.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff members of Capital City Hospice, Taylor Springs Health Campus and Smith's Mill Health Campus for their care, support, dignity and comfort provided to Klaus during his end of life.

A Memorial will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 4 - 6:30 pm (Service at 6 pm) at Evans Funeral Home located at 4171 E Livingston Ave., Columbus, OH 43227.

In lieu of flowers, donations made to Capital City Hospice will be greatly appreciated.