Virlen L. Klopfer

Virlen L. Klopfer, 84 of Dover, died peacefully in Union Hospital on Saturday, August 31, 2002.Born August 9, 1918 in Pleasant Hill, Miami County, Ohio, he was the third son of the late Edna Mae Minnich and Louie Klopfer. Mr. Klopfer graduated from Newton School in 1936 and Wittenberg University, Springfield, O, in 1940 after which he began teaching physical education at Bethel School in Miami County, O. Virlen joined the Navy in March 1942 and was commissioned as a physical fitness officer. In July 1942, Virlen married Nancy Caughey of Bellvue, PA. a former teacher at Pleasant Hill. After teaching for five years in Bethel and Newton Schools, Virlen earned his Master’s Degree from The Ohio State University in 1947. He returned to Bethel School as superintendent for the next five years. He accepted the superintendency at Germantown Schools in Montgomery County, O. for the next nine years. Mr. Klopfer concluded his career in 1973 after serving as the Superintendent for Beavercreek Schools in Greene County, O. Following retirement, Virlen and Nancy retired to Sun City AZ where they lived until moving to Dover in 2000 to be closer to their family. In addition to his wife of sixty years, he is survived by three sons: Robert V. (Jane) and William H. (Patricia) Klopfer, both of Dover & Michael (Laurie) Klopfer of Bellbrook O; three granddaughters, Kari A. (Erich) Bichsel, Kelly J. Klopfer, both of Dover, and Elizabeth L. Klopfer of Bellbrook, O; four grandsons; Kyle R. (Jennifer) of Mill Valley, CA, Willam H. (Mara) Klopfer of New Albany O, Brian J. Klopfer of Dover, and David M. Klopfer of Dayton. Two great-grandchildren, Curtis R. & Luke K. Klopfer complete the family.In addition to his parents, Virlen was preceded in death by a son, John Louie Klopfer in 1962, and two brothers, Paul and J.C. Klopfer. A celebration of Virlen’s life will be held Saturday, September 7, 2002 at 10:30 AM at the First United Methodist Church of New Philadelphia with Dr. Steven R. Bailey officiating. Cremation will be through the care of Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Cremation Service. Private family interment will follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Miami County, OH. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the First United Methodist Church, 201 West High Avenue, New Philadelphia, OH, 44663, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.