E.D. “Doc” Klemke, professor emeritus of philosophy and religious studies passed away last Friday and Iowa State will miss him.

He retired in 1997 so not many current students had the privilege of knowing him first-hand. Those who did found him a warm and personable teacher who opened their mind’s potential. He had a way of explaining the most difficult philosophical problems for even the most reluctant young minds.

As a teacher of introductory philosophy, Iowa State students across the years learned to think critically under his tutelage. He was not a harsh man and never spoke rudely to anyone, no matter how stubborn they were.

Doc liked to get together with students outside of class just to get to know them.

He used to love talking about his impressive stereo system.

He enjoyed all kinds of music, and would often open his classes with a favorite song that fit the day’s lecture.

On the first day of one introductory philosophy class, he played “Superman” by R.E.M. and immediately gained the respect of young philosophers.

Doc would tell students that not all opinions were equally valid, and by way of explanation would say, “If I think you’re a jerk and you don’t think you’re a jerk, we can’t both be right.”

He was reluctant to tell students there was no rational reason to believe in God, but quick to tell them he admired them for their faith.

Doc would tell students the only way to know for sure if there was a God or not was to die and meet him. No one wanted to believe in God more than Doc.

E.D. Klemke spent his life looking for proof of God and, for better or for worse, he has found it. Rest in peace, Doc.