Lynn Charles Klopfenstein, age 94, died October 3, 2024, in Anderson, South Carolina. He leaves a lasting legacy of faith in God and service to others.
He was born in Gridley, Illinois on January 29, 1930, to Elmer Jay and Anna (Gramm) Klopfenstein. After high school, he studied at the University of Illinois and later graduated from Athens State University with a degree in business.
He worked for Dun & Bradstreet in Chicago for five years, traveling many miles a week to call on clients. During that time, the Lord began to draw him to Himself, and in 1955 he gave his heart to the One he would serve the rest of his life.
In 1957, he married the former Miriam Hemmer, and their marriage was a beautiful partnership lasting 67 years. Early in their marriage, he purchased and operated a Ford dealership in Central Illinois for five years. In 1965, they committed to full-time ministry and moved with their four children to North Alabama where they began a ministry that included church work throughout North Alabama. He was pastor of Community Bible Church, Moulton, Alabama, and was also deeply involved in Christian education, Christian radio, Answers in Genesis representation, and more.
He was a visionary, helping found the Christian radio station that is now the Bible Broadcasting Network affiliate in North Alabama. He also founded the Lawrence County Christian School, at which he served for many years before retiring and later moving to South Carolina. In retirement he researched and added countless names to genealogy profiles and enjoyed initiating worldwide Klopfenstein family meetings. He spent many hours covering textbooks and library books for Christian schools and found this work productive and purposeful.
He is survived by his wife, Miriam Klopfenstein; four children, Ann (Mike) Bailes, Mark Klopfenstein, Mary (Joey) Medlen, and Rhoda Klopfenstein; 10 grandchildren, Andrew (Teah) Bailes, Mary Lee (James) Pendergrass, Lauren (Trent) Miller, Lindsey (Tommy) McGlone, John Michael (Aislinn) Klopfenstein, Jeffrey Klopfenstein, Lindsay (David) Warren, Whitney (Josh) Bateman, Jaimie (TJ) Noe, and Haley (Andrew) Gorie; 11 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his sister, Alice Stevig, and brother Perry (Carol) Klopfenstein, along with many nieces and nephews. Three siblings preceded him in death: Jay Klopfenstein, Ralph Klopfenstein, and Ada Christensen.
A memorial service to honor his life and legacy will be held Sunday, October 6, 2024, at Oakwood Baptist Church, with visitation from 2:00-3:00 pm and service following at 3:00. A service and burial will be held in Gridley, Illinois, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lawrence County Christian School, 10485 Co. Rd. 460, Moulton, AL, 35650, or Haven of Rest Women’s Ministries, 219 W. Whitner St, Anderson, SC 29624.
