Peter Melby Klas, 80, died peacefully September 15, 2020, at his home in Wabasha, Minnesota. He was born October 12, 1939, in Wabasha to Peter and Thelma (Melby) Klas. He married Sylvia Stephens on August 29, 1964. They were blessed with two sons, Peter Stephen and Paul David. Peter received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Winona State, and his 6th year degree in educational administration at Saint Cloud. He began his career in education at Chisago City as a social studies teacher and counselor, and continued his profession as assistant principal, principal, and superintendent at various schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Peter and Sylvia owned and operated the Pioneer Club on Sand Prairie for seven years. He also served as mayor of Wabasha and was instrumental in securing funding for the construction of the National Eagle Center. Peter enjoyed boating, snowmobiling, golfing, and working on his model railroad. His biggest joy was his two grandsons, Jack and Joshua. Peter is survived by his wife Sylvia, son Paul (Angela), Fort Collins, Colorado, grandsons Jack and Joshua, sister Mary Funk, Wabasha, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and son Peter Stephen. Always the educator, Peter has donated his body to the Mayo Clinic. A celebration of Peter’s life will be held at a later date. Abbott Funeral Home & Crematory, Wabasha, MN. Words of sympathy or remembrance may be left at www.abbottfh.com