Eugene Carl Klatte

Eugene Carl Klatte, 97, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed at his home in Sun City, Arizona, June 19, 2025. He was born in Beech Grove, Indiana, March 19, 1928, and moved to his family’s farm in Clayton, Indiana as a sophomore in high school where he graduated from Clayton High School in 1945. By the age of 9 he had a horse he adored named Tootsie that he would ride for hours. With a vivid imagination he pretended to fight Indians throwing ratchets and shooting bows and arrows at telephone poles. He learned early on, that persistence and vision will bring success and great things to follow. This he practiced his entire life.

He started college at Purdue University with the intention to major in agriculture, but transferred to Indiana University when he decided to go into medicine. He received a B.A. in Chemistry from Indiana University in 1949, and an M.D. from the Indiana University School of Medicine, first in his class, in 1952. He did his internship at the University of Michigan, 1952-1953, and residency in Radiology at the University of California, 1955-57. He served as a Captain in the Air Force from 1953-1955.

He was appointed Assistant Professor of Radiology, Indiana University School of Medicine in 1958, Associate Professor in 1961 and Professor in 1971. In 1979 he was appointed Distinguished Professor of Radiology. He was Chairman, IU Department of Radiology from 1971 to 1991 and Professor and Chairman Department of Radiology, Vanderbilt University, 1962-1971.

Dr. Klatte received numerous honors including Phi Beta Kappa, 1947; Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, 1951; Picker Scholar in Radiological Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1957-59; Gold Medal Award of the Association of University Radiologists, 1989; Glenn W. Irwin, Jr. Award for Distinguished Faculty Service, Indiana University, 1990; Gold Medal Award of the American Roentgen Ray Society, 1991; Gold Medal Award of the Indiana Roentgen Society, 1996; and the Gold Medal Award Radiological Society of North America, 1998. He received the IU Bicentennial Medal in 2020 in recognition of his distinguished contributions to Indiana University. He was humbled and honored to receive the Shovel Award for most outstanding teacher from the medical students at Vanderbilt University in 1971. He served as President of the Society of Chairmen of Academic Radiology Departments and Chancellor of the American College of Radiology.

He was greatly admired and respected as a teacher and mentor, training over 300 radiology residents in his lifetime. He was described by colleagues and residents as sensitive and warm, an avid learner, a role model, a gentleman and person of integrity. He was a pioneer in cine angiocardiography (x-ray movies of the heart) and leader in diagnostic techniques of image intensifiers, ultrasound, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) which revolutionized the era of radiology during his life.

He fostered a sense of family in the IU radiology department hosting themed annual events which became legendary as he dressed in an array of costumes as did his family and all who attended. He was so loved and valued as a teacher, former radiology residents from both Vanderbilt University and Indiana University created the Klatte Society to show their appreciation, meeting every two years to share scientific research and visit with their mentor.

He believed one’s attitude was important, that it wasn’t whether we would have hardships. It was how we responded to them; to stay positive and deal with whatever life brings. He learned this from experience. His wife Barbara came down with polio when they both were only 26 and she would never walk again. They never gave up their dreams. They had a wonderful life, raised five daughters, travelled the world, and spread love and kindness with every one they met. Barbara was his inspiration. They were extraordinary together.

Their daughters have fond memories of drives in the country, singing in harmony, getting a dime for spotting a cow, playing ping pong and crochet, family rides on the pontoon boat and jumping off in the middle of the lake to swim, dancing with their dad at weddings and Rec Centers, winning a polka contest passing a broom, family vacations, and many wonderful and fun family gatherings.

Dr. Klatte believed that God is love and lives within us. It’s that part within us that wants to do good and live the Golden Rule, to do unto others as you would have them do to you. In his words: “Time is limited and the opportunity for wonderful rewarding service is unlimited. Start today so that by your words and actions others will know you care.” He served to the best of his ability. He left a piece of himself in every life he touched. He will be deeply missed.

He was predeceased by Barbara, his loving wife of 58 years, his daughter Kathryn Jean Klatte, and grandson Steven Ashmore. He was survived by his second wife of 10 years, Mary Louise Pancy; his 4 daughters Susan Duhn Mand, Constance Gilbert, Jeanette Ashmore, and Teresa Gibson; 6 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, 6 step grandchildren, and 10 step great grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be held at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 W 86th St, Indianapolis, Indiana on Friday, July 11th at 2 pm.