Ralph R. Klopfenstein

Sept. 10, 1928 - June 21, 2010
SOUTH BEND - Ralph R. Klopfenstein, Jr. a lifelong area resident of South Bend, has died after a brief illness in his home surrounded by his family. He was 81. Born in Mishawaka, Indiana on September 10, 1928 he was the son of the late Ralph R. and Mayme A. (Williams) Klopfenstein, Sr. On November 22, 1952 in Saint Anthony de Padua Catholic Church in South Bend, he married his loving wife of 52 years the former Antoinette J. "Toni" Spiteri who preceded him in death on December 13, 2004.

Ralph is survived by his two sons, Thomas D. (Susan) Klopfenstein of South Bend, Indiana and Kurt A. (Marsha) Klopfenstein of Castle Rock, Colorado. He also leaves behind his four loving grandchildren, Thomas, Olivia, Kristin, and Tyler Klopfenstein. Other survivors include his dear cousin, Doris J. Geraghty of Cassopolis, Michigan. Two brother-in-laws, Peter (Beth) Spiteri of South Bend, Indiana, Robert Spiteri of Virginia Beach, Virginia and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his beloved mother and father and sister-in-law, Anne Spiteri.

Ralph was a graduate of the old Riley High School in South Bend, and had proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War.

After his honorable discharge in 1952 he came back to his home in South Bend, and became the third generation of his family to be part of the historical Studebaker Corporation until their closing in December of 1963. For the next twenty-five years he worked as a manager in IBM Technology for the Oliver Corporation later known as White Farm Corporation until their closing in 1988. He retired in 1995 as Controller of Information Technology for Curtis Products. Ralph was an avid golfer and sportsman and was a proud member of American Legion Post #257.

Private family services were held Saturday, June 26, 2010 with internment in the family plot in Highland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made on behalf of Mr. Klopfenstein to The Center for Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend Indiana 46637 or to the donor's choice. Ralph's family wishes to thank the angels of Hospice and all his many doctors and nurses for all their love and care given to Ralph in his final weeks. 

God saw you getting tired, and a cure was not to be, so He put His arms around you, and whispered "COME TO ME". With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating. Hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best. 

Ralph will forever be missed by his many friends and loving family. May God grant him eternal rest. Arrangements for Mr. Klopfensteon are entrusted to the Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home, Elkhart. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.wmzfh.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Jun. 27, 2010.

07/07/2023 EJS

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