Robert Klopfenstein
February 27, 1928 - December 23, 2018
Obituary
Robert (Bob) M. Klopfenstein: Passed away December 23, 2018, in Burien. Survived by his step daughter Jan Gunderson, step son Bruce (Marcie) McCandliss and numerous nieces, nephews, step grandchildren and step great grandchildren. Bob was born February 27, 1928, into a family of four boys in Aberdeen, South Dakota, where he grew up. He took his first piano lessons in the fourth grade and studied piano in college. He sang in the Methodist church choir there, also. He served in the U.S. Army attending officers’ candidate school and achieving the rank of Second Lieutenant. When the Korean War ended he returned to civilian life and started working as a manager of various departments in well-known large retail department stores in New York City. Upon retirement, Bob moved to the West Coast settling in Des Moines, Washington and living at Wesley Homes. While at Wesley Homes he volunteered for a long list of responsibilities involving every area of resident life. Some of his responsibilities included chair of the Terrace Resident Council, the Padres singing group, playing piano at Sunday evening Vespers services, resident member on the Wesley Board of Directors, and the Quality First Committee. Bob married the late Evelyn McCandliss in 1996. Together he and Evelyn used Bob’s retail background to start the Terrace Treasure shop where residents could leave unused items to sell and raise money for good causes at Wesley Homes. Bob survived quadruple bypass heart surgery in 2011 but that did not lessen his volunteer participation in the Wesley Homes environment and he continued being a member in the Disaster Preparedness Committee and an enthusiastic twice a week bridge player, having been taught by his mother when he was a young adult. He was well known for his enthusiastic participation and joyful spirit. Bob was preceded in death by his brothers Ralph, Wayne and Leonard as well as his parents Peter and Florence. Bob’s ashes will join Evelyn’s at Washington Memorial Park. An open celebration of Bob’s life for Wesley Homes residents, family and friends will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 16, at Wesley Terrace, 816 So. 216th, Des Moines, WA. Remembrances in lieu of flowers may be made to the Wesley Homes Circle of Concern. Please sign Bob’s on-line Guest Book.
Thank you for always being there for us uncle bob.
Jeff and nancy
Although the miles separated us, Uncle Bob, we were able to stay in touch and remain close in spirit. I will miss my favorite uncle more than words can say. So many fond memories. Rest In Peace.
You were such a loving & caring man, Bob. Thank you for loving our Mom Evelyn so much, for taking such good care of her when ill, & for loving Bruce, Marcie & I as you always did along with the rest of our extended families. You will be missed but I know you’re now at peace. God bless you. Much love always.
Rest in peace Uncle Bob. I will always remember the time that you and Martin hosted me in your home when I was interviewing for medical school in New York City. You had me get off the train in the middle of Harlem and bus the rest of the way. That was an experience! You were always so attentive to the kids and they always enjoyed playing their piano pieces for you and Evelyn.