Dutch Carroll R. Kleopfer Obituary (1934

Carroll Ray "Dutch" Kleopfer passed away on April 24, 2021, on his farm with his wife of 67 years, Marilyn Manaugh Kleopfer, by his side. Born January 1, 1934, in Jefferson County, he was the youngest son of Gale "Casey" and Mary Gray Kleopfer. Dutch grew up on Thomas hill and lived there until his family moved to Lancaster. After graduating from North Madison High School in 1951, he worked for the Indiana State Highway Department and Standerford Ford. He and Marilyn were married on June 20, 1953, at the Hanover United Methodist Church. Dutch was drafted into the U.S. Army in March 1954. After serving two years in Germany, he and Marilyn moved to their beautiful farm on Big Creek, where they have lived ever since, raising their six children and one of their granddaughters. They have been stewards of their 318 acres, growing corn, soybeans, and tobacco. After running a dairy for twenty years, they transitioned to raising beef cattle. Whether the growing seasons were too wet, too dry, or just right, the harvests poor or bountiful, Dutch and Marilyn were a team on the farm and taught their children to love the land and the importance of hard work. Like many farmers at the time, Dutch drove a school bus. For 41 years he safely transported students to and from Southwestern schools. Upon retirement, he was hauling the third generation of some families. Dutch was an active member of his community. He served on the Jefferson County Zoning Board, Kent Water Company, Smyrna Township Advisory Board, and Southwestern School Board. He was a member of the Indiana University Big Red Club, Hanover Optimist Club, and Hanover United Methodist Church. A lover of sports, Dutch enjoyed watching the Cincinnati Reds and went to several games. During basketball season, he made almost weekly trips to Bloomington to support the Hoosiers. Dutch was a devoted Southwestern Rebel. For several years he went to home and away games to watch the boys and girls play basketball. As long as he was able, he followed both teams wherever their season tournaments took them. In 2018, Dutch was very proud to be inducted into the Southwestern Athletics Hall of Fame. "I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let's face it; friends make life a lot more fun." - Charles S. Swindoll. Dutch's circle of friends was wide and deep. Extra special to him were the friendships he formed as a boy that continue today. He and Richard Jones were neighbors and played together as little boys. They were joined by Glenn Hall and Jim Duncan as teenagers. Years of 6-handed Euchre (often lasting long into the night), countless laughs, and plenty of food brought Dutch immeasurable joy. He so enjoyed his groups at the Midway Grocery, Dupont Hardware Store, and Shorty's in his later years. Please Click Here to View the Video Tribute Please Click Here to View the Funeral Service Recording In addition to Marilyn, Dutch is survived by his son Steve and his wife Teri of Lexington, granddaughters Amber Kleopfer Senseny (Matt) and Kirstie Craven (Eric), and great-grandchildren, Skylar, Henry, Steven, Luci, and Alexander. Son Jim and his wife Felicia of Madison, granddaughters Kasie Bear (Abe), Kristy Krulik (Jeremy), and grandson Evan, and great-grandchildren Calli, Harlan, Taytum, Oliver, Porter, Lealynn, Gabriel, and Madelyne. Son Lance and companion Debbie of Hanover, grandchildren Jason, Samantha (Wes), Bethani, and Blake, and great-grandsons Kolten and Bryce. Daughter Janet Kleopfer and her husband Tom Anderson, of Madison and grandchildren Casey and Callie. Son Chad and his wife Tami of Madison, grandchildren Hunter (Jayde), Logan (Meagan), Jake (Courtney), and great-grandson Beckham, and coming in July, great-granddaughter Lilly Ray. Daughter Calli Behm and her husband Kevin of Solon, Ohio, and grandchildren Marilyn, Mattie, and Jack. Sisters-in-law include Carolyn Kleopfer of Syracuse, Lydia Manaugh of Hanover, Margaret Gray of Brookfield, Wisconsin, Linda Adams of Hanover, Charlene Manaugh of Madison, Karen Todd of Hanover, and brothers-in-law Melvin Adams and Robert Manaugh and his wife Therese of Brandon, Florida. Dutch's Cousins are Jake Kleopfer (Shirley), Rosemary Bennett (Dan), June Nichols, and Don Gray. Dutch is loved by several nieces and nephews. Dutch was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Dr. Ronald Kleopfer, Marilyn's parents Albert and Callamatta Manaugh, and brothers-in-law Jim (Cookie), Dick and Jack Manaugh, and Harold Gray. Dutch's uncles were Willard Kloepfer (Erma), Lawrence Kloepfer (Dorothy), and Herman Kloepfer (Lenora). He was especially close to his uncle Wallace Gray (Patsy), who first called him Dutch. His aunt was Nelda Carey (Bob). Dutch loved his cousins Marvin Kloepfer, Nancy Davis, Betty Johnson, and Bud Gray. His dear friends and mentors, who often helped on the farm, include Joe Tilley (Eloise), Robert Knox (Mary), Nay Monroe (Lois), and Howard Fewell (Millie). A celebration of Dutch's life will be on May 8, 2021, at the Hanover United Methodist Church. Visitation will begin in the fellowship hall at 11:00 and continue until the service in the sanctuary at 2:00. The family requests that visitors follow COVID-19 protocols and wear masks. The Kleopfer family wishes to express special thanks to the Hospice workers who provided care and support that helped Mom keep Dad at home, especially Verlene and Paula. Expressions of sympathy may be offered with donations to KDH Hospice, Kent Cemetery, or Hanover United Methodist Church and cards are available at Morgan & Nay Funeral Centres of Madison and Hanover or at the church. 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