In memoriam: College of Science Roundtable member remembered as enthusiastic Hokie

Klaus C. Wiemer, an alumnus and supporter of the College of Science and Virginia Tech, died Aug. 8 at the age of 77.

Wiemer, who earned a doctoral degree in physics from Virginia Tech in 1969, served as chairman of Techulon, an entity created and sustained by Hokies, and is growing in prominence in the world of innovative investment and entrepreneurship.

As an enthusiastic supporter of the College of Science and Virginia Tech, Wiemer was a long-time member of the college’s Roundtable Advisory Board as well as the Department of Physics Advisory Board. 

He established the Clayton Williams Graduate Fellowship in Theoretical Physics in honor of his mentor, Clayton D. Williams, associate professor emeritus of physics at Virginia Tech. 

Along with his wife of 55 years, Stella, Wiemer was a member of Virginia Tech’s Ut Prosim Society and Legacy Society.

He worked for Texas Instruments, and was the first chief operating officer and president of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company in Hsin Chu, Taiwan, the world’s first computer chip contract manufacturing company. In addition, he served on numerous technology boards in the United States and abroad. 

“Klaus was a not only a great supporter of the college and university, he was a tremendous source of support and vision for the creation of the College of Science,” said College of Science Dean Lay Nam Chang. “Klaus was a dear friend to many in the Hokie community and his candor, commitment, and insights will be greatly missed.”

In addition to his Virginia Tech degree, Wiemer held bachelor's degree and master's degree in physics from the University of Texas at El Paso.  

He is survived by his wife, son Klaus, daughter Monica, daughter-in-law Linda and grandsons Dylan and Christian.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, Aug. 21 at 10:30 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Church, 5231 Meadowcreek Drive, Dallas, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family has established The Klaus C. Wiemer Ph.D. Memorial Fund for Esophageal Cancer Research at the American Cancer Society.