Paul Klemp, a professor emeritus in the Department of English at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, passed away on April 15 due to complications from heart surgery. Details regarding a campus memorial will be announced once arrangements are finalized.
Klemp was known as a central figure on campus and influenced many students during his tenure. He began teaching at UW Oshkosh in 1988 and retired in 2017. His courses included Bible as Literature, Mythology, and John Milton, which earned him the nickname “Dr. Satan.” One of his favorite classes was Introduction to English Studies, often co-taught with Dr. Margaret Hostetler. Klemp also taught first-year Honors composition classes and advised numerous Honors theses.
His contributions extended beyond teaching; he served as associate chair and chair of the English department. Known for his humor, he joked that his greatest achievement as chair was installing a splash guard beneath a paper towel holder.
Before joining UW Oshkosh, Klemp earned his PhD at the University of Toronto and taught at Penn State and Oklahoma State University. He contributed significantly to scholarship through publications and served as associate editor of the Milton Quarterly journal.
Klemp received several awards including twice winning the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Endowment for Excellence: The Oshkosh Northwestern Endowed Professorship and receiving multiple teaching awards.
Beyond professional accolades, Klemp valued friendships formed within the university community. He regularly met with former students for discussions over coffee and maintained close relationships with colleagues across campus.
The article acknowledges Karl Boehler from UWO’s Department of English for contributing information about Paul Klemp’s life and career.
