David T. Klopp Sr.

David T. Klopp Sr., 86, husband of Patricia "Pat" Klopp, died suddenly Thursday morning, Dec. 21, 2017, while visiting family for the holidays in Queen Creek, Arizona. He had been in Arizona since mid-November. He leaves behind his four children, Michael (Michelle West) Klopp, David Klopp Jr., Jeffery (Gina) Klopp and Karen (Steve) Cheifetz; his grandchildren, Matt (Nikki) Klopp and Bethany Klopp, Justine Klopp, Meredith and Hayden Klopp, and Alex, Sydney and Anastasia Cheifetz. He was especially proud to be a great-grandfather to Griffin and Elliot Klopp. He also is survived by his two sisters, Jane (Robert) Koby of Tiffin and Ann (Marion) Smith of Bradenton, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Lillian (Bolish) Klopp; wife, Pat (Ruggerio) Klopp; and brother, Dean Klopp. Dave was born April 14, 1931, in Tiffin at Mercy Hospital. He led a rich and wholesome life in the community of Tiffin that he loved so much. He was raised a Catholic and remained active in the church until his death. He attended St. Joseph grade school and Calvert High School, where he won praise and friendship as a star football player, Glee Club and school play cast member, a male cheerleader for the Calvert High School basketball team with his friend and football teammate Dewy, and an enthusiastic practical joker. Dave loved to laugh, and was always ready with a quick witty quip. Dave cherished his black Model T Ford during high school and often provided transportation for many of his classmates. After high school, Dave was awarded a full scholarship to attend Heidelberg College to play offensive guard for the football team. He attended Heidelberg College until joining the U.S. Coast Guard, stationed in New York City. It was in-between his boot camp training in San Diego, California, and his deployment to NYC that he stopped in Tiffin to marry his high school sweetheart and true love, Pat Ruggiero. After his tour of duty, Dave and Pat returned to Tiffin, where he joined Klopp Plumbing & Heating as an employee-owner, working alongside his father and brother, serving the commercial and residential community in Tiffin and the surrounding area for more than 40 years. After selling their company, Dave joined the maintenance staff at Tiffin Columbian High School within the Tiffin City School District, where he worked until his retirement. He enjoyed serving the public school system in Tiffin. Dave built his family a home in 1960 at 17 Lelar St. in Tiffin, where he lived until 2015, when he moved to the apartments at St. Francis Home. He was an active Calvert High School Booster, Lion's Club member, Knights of Columbus member, non-Irish Irish Club member, and one of the founding members of The Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Department. Dave and Pat were very active throughout their lives in Tiffin, socializing with family and friends, active in community and church events, and always ready to help someone in need. One of Dave's most cherished responsibilities was being a dad. With his wife, Pat, Dave took pride in attending every sporting event, play, academic and extracurricular school activity involving his children. His family was his priority throughout his life. David 'Dave' Klopp Sr. was loved by his family and friends. Dave was a devoted husband, hard worker, honest, committed father, proud grandfather, joyful great-grandfather, generous family member and loyal friend. Dave's hobbies were "doing the right thing when no one was looking," practical jokes, laughing with his family and friends, woodworking, playing cards and TV game shows. A Mass of Christian burial will be at noon Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Rev. Joseph Szybka officiating. A rosary will be prayed 20 minutes prior to Mass. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family 4-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, 2018, at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, OH 44883. In lieu of flowers and cards of condolence, please send donations in honor of Dave and Pat Klopp to one of their favorite organizations in St. Francis Senior Ministries or Calvert Catholic Schools Educational Foundation. Condolences may be sent and the guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneral home.com.