People > Our People > Georg Peter and Amalia Klaus
Georg Peter and Amalia Klaus
Georg Peter Klaus was born in Norka, Russia, on October 11, 1890. Peter was married in Norka to Amalia (Molly) Fink. The Klaus family migrated to Canada, arriving in Quebec aboard the steamship Ansonia on November 13, 1911. Settling first near Edmonton, Canada, the family soon immigrated to the United States, where they arrived in June 1914. Their new home became Portland.
Peter and Molly became parents to five children: Mary, John, William, Lydia, and Esther.
By 1917, Peter was in the garbage collection business with an Italian partner, and he resided at 3634 NE 13th, located at the intersection with Beech. He was one of the early leaders of Local 220, which represented the garbage collection workers, and he continued in the business through 1950. His son, William, also worked in the business.
Peter was well-known as the neighborhood banker, and many people went to him for loans rather than seeking them from a commercial bank. Peter served as the Treasurer of the Zion German Congregational Church. He held the trust and respect of all who knew him.
Molly died on May 23, 1955, and was buried at the Rose City Cemetery.
Peter died on August 17, 1967, and was buried beside Molly.
Peter and Molly became parents to five children: Mary, John, William, Lydia, and Esther.
By 1917, Peter was in the garbage collection business with an Italian partner, and he resided at 3634 NE 13th, located at the intersection with Beech. He was one of the early leaders of Local 220, which represented the garbage collection workers, and he continued in the business through 1950. His son, William, also worked in the business.
Peter was well-known as the neighborhood banker, and many people went to him for loans rather than seeking them from a commercial bank. Peter served as the Treasurer of the Zion German Congregational Church. He held the trust and respect of all who knew him.
Molly died on May 23, 1955, and was buried at the Rose City Cemetery.
Peter died on August 17, 1967, and was buried beside Molly.
Written on back of photograph: "Peter & Molly Klaus - Mary, John, William". The photograph was likely taken in Portland, Oregon about 1917 and belonged to Jacob K. Klaus. Courtesy of Lynn Huber and Lois K. Klaus.
The title page of the book titled "Biblisches Wörterbuch" owned by Peter Klaus, and marked with his name and address. Source: Steve Schreiber.
Sources
Lois Klaus, niece of Peter Klaus, August 2015.
Marcia Staunton, email dated June 17, 2012.
Harold Kammerzell
U.S. Census Reports, Oregon Birth and Death Records, accessed on Ancestry.com.
Marcia Staunton, email dated June 17, 2012.
Harold Kammerzell
U.S. Census Reports, Oregon Birth and Death Records, accessed on Ancestry.com.
Last updated October 3, 2025.