Remembering Dr. Klaus Truemper: Early Visionary of UTD Computer Science
A trailblazer in the field of computer science and a beloved member of The University of Texas at Dallas community, Dr. Klaus Truemper , Professor Emeritus of Computer Science, passed away on July 12, 2025, in a plane crash in Weld County, Colorado. He was 83.
Truemper’s service to UT Dallas exceeded 50 years. One of the pioneering faculty members in computer science and operations research, he played a role in defining not just the department, but the university as well. An exceptional and gifted teacher as well as an outstanding scholar, he was revered for his talent in simplifying complicated concepts.
His path to UT Dallas started far from Texas. Born in Berlin during World War II to Alfons and Maria Trümper, Truemper emigrated to the United States in the 1960s, eventually earning both a master’s and PhD. In 1970, Klaus married his beloved wife Ute in Leichlingen, Germany, and together they raised two children, Ingrid and Martin, in the United States. While Klaus developed an illustrious academic career, he remained deeply devoted to his family throughout. His children recall him not just as a professor and a pilot, but as a father who brought a joyful sense of curiosity and care into every part of life.
His influence on UT Dallas lasted long after his retirement. As Professor Emeritus, Truemper remained deeply engaged with the Department of Computer Science while also writing books on mathematics, philosophy, and brain science. He was renowned for challenging assumptions and pushing boundaries, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence. “Klaus has been at the center of the history of the Department of Computer Science, of the Erik Jonsson School and indeed of UT Dallas,” said Dr. Ovidiu Daescu, professor and head of the Department of Computer Science and holder of the Jonsson School Chair. “He was a force of nature, full of energy, a spirited colleague, a dear mentor to many.”
Truemper made a lasting impact throughout his career on those who surrounded him. Former PhD student and colleague Yi Zhao MS’92, PhD’96 said, “Klaus was more than my PhD advisor. He was my mentor, my colleague and my dear friend. In 1992, I became his PhD student, working together on an AI project funded by the Office of Naval Research. Even after I left academia for industry, we stayed in close contact. We began a tradition of meeting for lunch every year before Christmas, a tradition that meant a great deal to both of us. Those lunches were filled with laughter, deep conversations and reflections on life and work.”
Zhao recalled how Truemper’s infectious passion for flying created unforgettable experiences, such as the day he finished constructing his plane and invited students and their families to join in the celebration. “He barbecued lunch for everyone, then took us one by one in his plane, dozens of times. That memory remains vivid. Memories from the past three decades are rushing back: his wisdom, his warmth, his unwavering support. Klaus was a guiding light in my life and in the lives of so many others.”
Colleague Dr. Ravi Prakash, professor of computer science, spoke about Truemper’s steadfast support of fellow faculty members. “Klaus was a dear colleague. From the moment I first met him during my job interview at UT Dallas, he was very supportive and kind. Over time, as we grew older, our relationship evolved. The warmth he extended to me was constant. Klaus was a real Renaissance man. He will be missed.”
Dr. Murat Kantarcioglu, professor of computer science, remembered the life lessons Klaus humbly demonstrated through his own decisions. “There are a couple of important life lessons I will always remember from him. I once asked why, despite being so productive and full of energy, he chose to retire in his early 60s. He told me that he no longer wanted to spend time on things he did not enjoy and instead wanted to focus solely on what he loved. That perspective has stayed with me and is becoming even more meaningful as I reflect on my own path. He was the epitome of Jack London’s quote: ‘The proper function of man is to live, not to exist.’”
To Professor Karen Doore, Truemper was more than just a colleague. He was a healing presence and an inspiration. “His kindness, grace and compassion supported my ability to adapt to trauma and adversity during very dark times. We shared a love for nature, exchanging photos from our hikes in the Tetons. His energy is now vibrating in resonance with the memories of all who were fortunate enough to know him. I hope to share the brilliance of his work because humanity is in need of such role models of kindness and intelligence.”
Numerous past students attribute Truemper with influencing their lives and careers. Arvind Rajan reminisced, “Klaus had a formative influence on my life. He was the epitome of clear thinking and stood as a shining example of how to carve out one’s own independent and creative intellectual path.”
Professor Emeritus Hal Sudborough also shared memories of Truemper’s early role in shaping the Department of Computer Science: “I was shocked to hear about Klaus’s passing. He was a very good friend; I owe him a great deal, and I’ll miss him. When I arrived at UT Dallas in 1985, the Department of Computer Science had only recently separated from Mathematics and was still part of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. The department was struggling to attract and retain faculty. The dean brought Klaus into CS from the School of Management, and his presence made an immediate difference. Klaus made significant contributions to the emerging field of artificial intelligence and played a pivotal role in revitalizing the department.”
He went on, “Over the years, we often talked departmental business, and I came to hold his counsel in high regard. Klaus was respected far beyond our campus. At a 2018 graph theory conference in Lyon, France, I mentioned UT Dallas to a group of international colleagues. They knew of Klaus’s work, and they were effusive in their admiration of him. Although Klaus officially retired when he reached his early 60s, he continued his academic work. He wrote many highly regarded books about mathematics, artificial intelligence, logic-based intelligent systemsand flying. My wife and I stayed close to Klaus and Ute, enjoying many long walks and dinners with them. Klaus leaves an empty spot in my heart. I think about the ways Klaus befriended me, helped me, counselled me and impressed me. I will miss him forever.”
In his last days, Truemper was doing what he loved, solo flying to hike in the Grand Tetons. Only days prior to his death, he had finished a grueling 10-mile hike to Amphitheater Lake. Upon returning home, after flying over the Rocky Mountains, his plane crashed. He did not die in retreat but in movement, living life with the same energy and curiosity that characterized him.
Truemper’s PhD advisor, UT Dallas professor of computer science, colleagueand longest intellectual collaborator for over 55 years, Dr. R. Chandrasekaran, shared his thoughts: “No quote can capture all aspects of Klaus, but here is some part of him. Klaus was very intense in all aspects of his life: whether it was exercise in the pool or trekking, learning new things — such as airplane flying and building — academic life, including how the brain works, and treating others with gentleness and intensity, which normally contradict, but not for Klaus! A long journey, first as my student, then as a colleague and friend. All of us will miss him. May his soul rest in peace!”
Truemper is survived by his wife of 55 years, Ute Truemper; his daughter, Ingrid Truemper; his son, Martin Truemper; and his brothers, Stefan and Jens Truemper, and their families. According to his wishes, there will be no formal services, and his ashes will be scattered in the mountains that he loved.
The UT Dallas Department of Computer Science plans to honor Truemper with a memorial gathering at a future time.
The family has posted an online public memorial page, where they continue to add photos and anecdotes about his life; you can access it by clicking here.
Dr. Klaus Truemper will be remembered as a scholar, teacher, pilot, mentor, visionaryand friend. He never ceased to ask questions. He never ceased to create. And he never ceased to care. His legacy will survive in the books he authored, the minds he educatedand the lives he touched with his genius, compassionand shining spirit.