Patty A. Klopfer

Patty A. Klopfer, 56, of Dover, died unexpectedly Friday evening August 29, 2003 at Akron General Medical Center.Born in Long Beach, California, January 14, 1947, she was a daughter of Rosalind J. Smith Shelley and the late Paul Edward Shelley. She was just six weeks old when her family relocated to Ohio. In l965, Patty was a member of the last graduating class of Sabina High School, before its consolidation into the East Clinton School District.Patty continued her education at the Wilmington College of Ohio, and later received a Master’s Degree from Miami University in Oxford. At Wilmington College, she met and fell in love with her husband of 33 years, William H. “Bill” Klopfer. The two were married on December 21, 1969.The couple moved to the area in 1974, and Patty began teaching Physical Education at New Philadelphia Schools; but her real love, her calling, was to be a mother. She was very involved in the lives of her two sons, and could be spotted at nearly every extra-curricular activity in which they participated. Most often, she was equipped with “the Pattycam”, a video or still camera, taking pictures of their activities, and later sharing those memories with teammates, coaches and friends. Patty’s enjoyment of young people caused her caregiving to extend to those outside her immediate family circle. Serving as a volunteer at Dover’s South School when her children attended there, she tutored students who struggled academically and gave special attention to those who needed encouragement. She was also involved in the school’s Parent-Teacher Group and taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at First Christian Church where she was a member. Early in her career, Patty was cheerleading advisor at New Philadelphia High School; and, from l993 to 1995, she held the same position at Dover High SchoolTogether with her husband, she raised two sons, William Hart (Mara) Klopfer Jr., of New Albany, and Brian Joseph (Jenn Hitchcock) Klopfer of Dover. In addition to her mother, husband, and sons, her family also includes two sisters, Penny Hawk and Pam Shepherd, both of Strasburg; three brothers, Paul (Carol) Shelley and Preston (Debby) Shelley, both of Columbus and Palmer Shelley of Manchester, Conn. ; her mother-in-law, Nancy Klopfer of Dover, brothers-in-law Robert V. (Jane) Klopfer of Dover and Michael (Laurie) Klopfer of Bellbrook; Nieces Kari Ann (Erich) Bichsel and Kelly Jane Klopfer of Dover, and Elizabeth Laurie Klopfer of Loveland; Nephews Jared Shepherd of Strasburg, Doug Hawk Sherman Oaks, CA, Brian Shelley of Vernon Conn, Kyle Ryan (Jennifer) Klopfer of Mill Valley, CA, and David Michael Klopfer of Centerville; and great-nephews Curtis Ryan Klopfer and Luke Kyle Klopfer, also of Mill Valley, CA. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Virlen L. Klopfer, August 31. 2002. The family will receive friends Saturday, September 6, 2003 from 1 until 4 PM at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home, New Philadelphia. In keeping with her wishes, Patty’s funeral service will be private. Cremation will be conducted through the care of Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory, with burial to follow in Dover Burial Park. Whether you knew Patty as a family member, or friend, acquaintance or neighbor, it was easy to spot that she was a joyful giver. In that spirit, please direct memorial contributions to the Dover City Schools Education Foundation, P.O. Box 190, Dover OH 44622, or to the Building For Life Fund, or Benevolence Fund at First Christian Church, 104 Third Street NW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663