Roland Klopmeier
Bethalto |
Roland Albert Ernest Klopmeier, 93, passed away at 6:05 pm on Monday, July 20, 2009, at Jerseyville Manor while under the care of Blessing Hospice Care.
He was born on February 8, 1916, on the family farm which is now east Cottage Hills and west
Bethalto separated today by I 255. He was the son of the late William Henry & Gesina Louisa (Ringering) Klopmeier.
He married the former Anita E. Levi on June 19, 1938, at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto. They met in the orchestra at East Alton-Wood River High School. They both played violin. They were married for 63 ½ years until she passed away on March 1, 2002.
He was employed at what is now Olin Corporation for two years and then was employed at Owens Illinois, Inc., Machine Parts Manufacturing, Godfrey as a tool maker for 43 ½ years retiring on March 1, 1981. He was associated with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Lodge #660, a charter and very active member of the Concordia Lutheran Church of Cottage Hills, a bus driver for the Senior Citizens in Bethalto in which he was in charge of drivers and telephones for five years. In the 1950's he had a photography business. He donated Klopmeier Park (what was left of the family farm) to the Village of Bethalto. He was a helpful friend to many neighbors and relatives.
Surviving are two daughters and sons-in-law, Janet & William Kutter of Godfrey and Linda & Fred Widman of Godfrey; four grandchildren and their spouses, Dr. Kathryn & David Kaelin, Ryan & Hayley Kutter, Major Jeffrey & Captain Alyssa Kutter, and Brad Whitlock, five step-grandchildren, Sandra & Collin Meyer, Kathy Lewis, Jim & Mindy Widman, Terry & Lanae Widman and Keith & Susie Widman; four great-grandchildren, Lauren Kaelin, Erin Kaelin, Ryley Kutter and William R. Kutter; fourteen step-great-grandchildren and a very special friend, Betty Hovey of Alton and special friends Jim & Darlene Runge and Sue Stutz.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.
In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 4 pm to 8 pm on Friday, July 24, 2009 at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto. Visitation will continue at 9 am until funeral services at 10 am on Saturday, July 25, 2009, at Concordia Lutheran Church in Cottage Hills with Pastor Matt Gehrke officiating.
Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery in Bethalto.
Memorials may be made to the Concordia Lutheran Church in Cottage Hills.
Online condolences and guest book may be found at http://www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com
He was born on February 8, 1916, on the family farm which is now east Cottage Hills and west
Bethalto separated today by I 255. He was the son of the late William Henry & Gesina Louisa (Ringering) Klopmeier.
He married the former Anita E. Levi on June 19, 1938, at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto. They met in the orchestra at East Alton-Wood River High School. They both played violin. They were married for 63 ½ years until she passed away on March 1, 2002.
He was employed at what is now Olin Corporation for two years and then was employed at Owens Illinois, Inc., Machine Parts Manufacturing, Godfrey as a tool maker for 43 ½ years retiring on March 1, 1981. He was associated with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Lodge #660, a charter and very active member of the Concordia Lutheran Church of Cottage Hills, a bus driver for the Senior Citizens in Bethalto in which he was in charge of drivers and telephones for five years. In the 1950's he had a photography business. He donated Klopmeier Park (what was left of the family farm) to the Village of Bethalto. He was a helpful friend to many neighbors and relatives.
Surviving are two daughters and sons-in-law, Janet & William Kutter of Godfrey and Linda & Fred Widman of Godfrey; four grandchildren and their spouses, Dr. Kathryn & David Kaelin, Ryan & Hayley Kutter, Major Jeffrey & Captain Alyssa Kutter, and Brad Whitlock, five step-grandchildren, Sandra & Collin Meyer, Kathy Lewis, Jim & Mindy Widman, Terry & Lanae Widman and Keith & Susie Widman; four great-grandchildren, Lauren Kaelin, Erin Kaelin, Ryley Kutter and William R. Kutter; fourteen step-great-grandchildren and a very special friend, Betty Hovey of Alton and special friends Jim & Darlene Runge and Sue Stutz.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.
In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 4 pm to 8 pm on Friday, July 24, 2009 at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto. Visitation will continue at 9 am until funeral services at 10 am on Saturday, July 25, 2009, at Concordia Lutheran Church in Cottage Hills with Pastor Matt Gehrke officiating.
Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery in Bethalto.
Memorials may be made to the Concordia Lutheran Church in Cottage Hills.
Online condolences and guest book may be found at http://www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com
Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
