Retired Cal State Fullerton Prof. Walter Kline Dead at 72

Walter Kline, a retired professor of foreign languages and literature at Cal State Fullerton for 23 years, died of a heart attack Feb. 5. He was 72.

Kline, born Feb. 2, 1923, received his bachelor’s degree from Indiana State Teachers College in 1944. He then earned a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1947, and finished his doctorate at the University of Michigan in 1952 in Spanish literature.

Kline began teaching at Cal State Fullerton in 1963, where he was a professor until 1986. During that time, Kline spent eight years as chairman of the foreign languages and literatures department, and another 11 years as coordinator of Spanish specialization at the university. He was also a member of the personnel committee for 10 years and was active on the Faculty Council and other university committees.

Pam McLaren, a spokeswoman for Cal State Fullerton, said university officials have been meeting with Kline’s widow, Anne, to discuss the possibility of establishing a scholarship in memory of Kline.

Kline also is survived by two children, Rodney and Jennifer, and two grandchildren. A memorial service was held Feb. 11 in Placentia.