Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
KLAUER, Donald
KLAUER, Donald. (Dubuque, IA, July 24, 1935- ). Klauer's purchase and renovation of an out-of-date shoe store marked a significant boost to the downtown business area. Beginning in 1988, Klauer Optical was also located on Delhi Street in Dubuque with a third store in Cedar Rapids. Klauer served as president of the Opticians Association of America, the Contact Lens Society of America, and the Opticians Association of Iowa. He was chairperson of the Contact Lens Examiners and director of the American Opticians Association of America.
Locally Klauer served as president of DUBUQUE MAIN STREET, LTD., director of the DUBUQUE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE and FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF DUBUQUE, vice-president of the United Way of Dubuque (where he led a successful $1.2 million fund drive), and chairperson of the later defunct Dubuque Citizens Advisory Commission. As a member of the CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION, Klauer led a successful $1.2 million fund drive for a new church, rectory, and expansion of the school. He also served as president of the Resurrection School Board.
