Paul Henry Klatt, PhD., age 58 of Big Rapids, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, April 27, 2024. He was born in Moline, Illinois on December 27, 1965, the son of Richard and Elizabeth (Lauerman) Klatt. Paul was a 1984 graduate of Rock Island High School. He then furthered his education earning his Bachelor Degree in Psychology from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Master Degree in Biological Sciences from Eastern Kentucky University, and PhD in Zoology from North Dakota State University. Paul was a research associate with Bridget Stutchbury at York University and Gary Ritchison at Eastern Kentucky University. He wrote nine publications and intellectual contributions and delivered ten presentations. His dedication and desire for education earned himself the nickname "Profound Paul".Paul was currently teaching General Biology and upper-level courses at Ferris State University. He was passionate about connecting with students. Pauls students and the relationships that he kept with them were his legacy. He went above and beyond to instill successful life ethics and endeavors for his students; education was just the stepping stone. Paul was a support and an inspiration to his students. He was a bird behavioral ecologist, examining Eastern Screech-Owls, Northern Cardinals, Red-necked Grebes, and Scarlet Tanagers. Paul was a genuine outdoorsman. His research took a lot of facets outdoors observing and studying nature. Professionally, Paul was a member of the Animal Behavior Society, the Waterbird Society, the Association of Field Ornithology, and the American Ornithologists Union. Additionally, he served as an Associate Editor for the scientific journal American Midland Naturalist. Paul inspired everyone to be closer to nature and to be more grounded. He had an optimistic personality and he made a decision to always take the high road in life. Paul enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, being outside, and sitting around the campfire. Paul had an understanding and love for animals; especially his own. He is survived by his father, Richard Klatt of Rock Island, Illinois; three siblings, Kathryn Vetter of Moline, Illinois, John Klatt of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Mary Fischer (Frank Flores) of Corpus Christi, Texas; three nieces, Kate Watson, Erin Kennedy, and Hattie Fischer; and one great-niece, Alice. Paul was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Klatt. A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at David L. Eisler Center, Ballroom 202 - 805 Campus Drive, Big Rapids. The family will greet friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, May 6th at Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids and one hour prior to the Memorial Service on Tuesday at David L. Eisler Center. Memorial contributions may be made in Pauls name to Paul Klatt Memorial Osprey Webcam Project https://igfn.us/form/_tna-Q, NDSU Sheila Kath Scholarship, University of Illinois College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Annual Fund.Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Zoom Link for Paul's Memorial Service below. Passcode is 979563https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88945440256?pwd=IuLMgmUbpabIih5zoYhkSCSKL83z8u.1

Memorial ServiceTuesday, May 7, 202411:00 AMFerris State University - David L. Eisler Center805 Campus DriveBig Rapids,MI49307The Family Will Greet FriendsMonday, May 6, 20244:00 PM - 7:00 PMDaggett-Gilbert Funeral Home13985 Northland DriveBig Rapids,MI49307The Family Will Greet FriendsTuesday, May 7, 202410:00 AM - 11:00 AMFerris State University - David L. Eisler Center805 Campus DriveBig Rapids,MI49307