NORMAN — Robert Kieft “Klop” Klopfenstein, 82, passed away Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, at OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City.
In accordance with Klop’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service, however, the Klopfenstein family will receive friends to reflect, remember and celebrate Klop’s life from 6 to 9 Thursday, Jan. 3, at Havenbrook Funeral Home in Norman. Arrangements are by Havenbrook Funeral Home of Norman.
Klop was born Sept. 22, 1930, in Battlecreek, Michigan to Chris and Kathrine (Kieft) Klopfenstein. He was born and raised in Battlecreek, graduating from Battlecreek High School in 1948. He then enrolled at Western Michigan University obtaining a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry in 1952. Klop continued his education obtaining a master’s degree in chemistry in 1954 from the University of Michigan.
Klop was united in marriage with Miss Julie Terrien in Pontiac, Mich., in 1954. Klop began a career with the Kerr-McGee Corp. of Oklahoma City as a chemist in 1962, retiring in 1986 after more than 24 years of service.
During retirement, Klop and his wife, Julie, enjoyed their travel experiences with the Elderhostel Educational Travel Program, and the Osher Lifetime Learning Institute at the University of Oklahoma. Klop was an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Norman and was a docent at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History since it’s opening in 2000.
Klop also was an enthusiastic participant in Oklahoma City softball, cultimating in becoming an official scorekeeper in women’s softball in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Klop was also an untiring and enthusiastic supporter of his wife, Julie, with her art career.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Klop is survived by his wife, Julie Klopfenstein of Norman; son, John Klopfenstein of Norman; daughters, Kathy Klopfenstein and husband Michael Hale of Frisco, Texas, and Karen Klopfenstein and husband Farshad Garmsiri of Norman; and three grandchildren, Lynn Klopfenstein-Kalfas and husband Gareth, Michael Garmsiri and Matthew Garmsiri.
Memorials may be made in memory of Robert Kieft “Klop” Klopfenstein to the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, 2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman, OK 73072.
Online condolences may be shared at www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com
Norman Transcript, Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013
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