Klaus Putter

Klaus Pütter, 88, resident of Atlanta, Ga. passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2014.

Born in Berlin, Germany on March 6, 1926 to Ulrich and Annemarie Pütter, Klaus grew up in Klettendorf near Breslau, Silesia. After completing his secondary education, he served as a soldier from 1943 to 1947, including 2 ½ years as a prisoner of war in France.

After the war, Klaus returned to Germany and began his professional life in the hotel business. In 1951, he made the auspicious decision to join the Coca-Cola Company. Starting as a trainee on the back of a delivery truck in Nürnberg, his career spanned many international assignments and executive responsibilities—culminating in his move to Atlanta to accept the position of SVP and Group President for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Southwest Asia. During his tenure at the company, he completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School and received an honorary MBA from Columbia University. After 35 years of exceptional service, Klaus retired from the Coca-Cola Company in 1987.

Always an advocate of community involvement, Klaus co-founded the Marketing & Business Science Association at the University of Münster, Germany and was an integral member of the Lions Club in Essen, Germany. Upon moving to Atlanta, Klaus dedicated his spare time to charitable pursuits. Serving as a member of the President’s Circle of CARE International, he was proud to represent CARE at its 50th anniversary celebration in Washington, D.C. In addition, Klaus enjoyed active membership in The Buckhead Rotary Club, The International Club of Atlanta, The English Speaking Union, and as a knight of The Order of St. Lazarus. A long-time member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Klaus volunteered at Trinity’s homeless shelter for many years.

In recognition of his achievements, Klaus was honored by President Carstens with The Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1984.

Klaus is survived by his loving wife of almost 60 years, Jutta, his beloved children Michael of Mexico City, MX; Thomas and wife, Helen of London, UK; Stephanie of New York, NY, and his five cherished grandchildren Christine, Gabrielle, Stephan, Natasha, and Robert.

Details for a Memorial Service will be announced at a later time. Please express condolences at klaus.putter.condolences@gmail.com.

Arrangements under the direction of H.M. Patterson & Son-Canton Hill Chapel, Marietta, GA.