Klaus was born in Gelsenkichen-Horst, Germany to Walter and Paula Ritter (née Kruppa) on October 20, 1944. He had two siblings: Olaf (Regina) Ritter of Milwaukee, WI and Petra (Werner) Klinger of Gladbeck, Germany.

He moved to the United States in the late 1960s to pursue his dream of being a chef and went on to cook in some of the most prestigious kitchens and for some of the most honored guests. His talents were very highly recognized, and he was the recipient of many awards and accolades from his years behind the line. But for Klaus, cooking was far more than a job. It was an art and a passion. And he gave every ounce of his energy to making sure every plate was beautiful, every bite delicious. He had a true talent, and he mentored and taught many young and aspiring chefs to fulfil their dreams, just like he had done. 

Klaus is survived by his ex-wife Bobbie (née Lang) and their two daughters, Krista Moutzouros (Perry) and their children, Theo and Tommy, and Heidi Hemmann (Erik) and their son, Andrew. Krista and Heidi learned a love of food, cooking and entertaining from Klaus. And that love is being passed on to his grandsons, who all love being in the kitchen and creating their own masterpieces.  

A celebration of Klaus’s life will be held as an open house on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at St Louis Cremation’s location at 2135 Chouteau Ave in St. Louis from 12:00-2:00.

In lieu of any flowers, please consider making a monetary or food donation to your local food bank in Klaus’s honor.