Klaus Plikat

Longtime Anchorage resident, Klaus Plikat, passed away peacefully at home on June 21 surrounded by his family. Klaus was born April 24, 1943, in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany to Erich and Wilma Plikat. They immigrated to the United States in 1955 and settled in Camas Valley, Oregon. Following high school, he trained as a plumber, joining the United Association Plumbers and Steamfitters Union in 1964. From 1963-1969 he also served in the Oregon National Guard. Klaus met the love of his life, Leslie, on a blind date in 1968 and after six months they were married, and remained so for nearly 54 years. In 1969 they seized an opportunity to work and live in Hawaii, the second love of his life, where they had their daughter, Liesel in 1970. Upon returning to Oregon, son Aaron was born in 1974. In 1983, adventure and work presented a unique opportunity to move to Anchorage, where he fell in love with Alaska and travelled all over the State in his Monaco bus. In retirement, Klaus enjoyed telling jokes, reading Tundra comics, keeping in touch with friends, camping, fishing, and rarely missed an episode of The Price is Right. He loved his family immensely and was incredibly proud of their professional achievements. Nothing made him happier than watching his family grow, being an Opa, and attending all of his grandsons' sporting events. He is survived by:his beloved wife, Leslie of Anchorage; children, Liesel of Manchester, England, son, Aaron of Anchorage, their respective spouses Mick and Jodi, and grandsons, Asa and Gideon both of Anchorage.