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BORN

1915

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Doherty Funeral Homes, Inc. - Pike Creek

3200 Limestone Road

Wilmington, Delaware

Fritzi Klopfenstein Obituary

Fritzi W. Klopfenstein

AGE: 98 • Newark

Fritzi Walkey Klopfenstein, age 98 passed away on Monday, December 16, 2013 at Churchman Village retirement home in Newark, DE.

The daughter of Dr. Fred L. Walkey and Mable Kintzley Walkey, she was born on Groundhog Day, February 2, 1915 in West Lafayette, Indiana. Fritzi was a 1937 graduate of Purdue University. She enrolled in veterinary school, but switched to biology and botany because, in those days, women were not permitted in veterinarian school. While at Purdue, she sang on her own Indiana radio show and on the weekends with various Big Ten dance bands. She was initiated into Kappa Alpha Theta, Purdue University in 1934, and the P.E.O. Sisterhood in 1937. During her senior year, she met and talked many times with Amelia Earhart. Earhart stayed in her sorority house and taught a course, "Careers For Women". Her Lockheed plane trip was financed by Purdue.

After college graduation, she married another Purdue graduate, Bob Klopfenstein, a young chemical engineer. For their honeymoon, they rode in an open rumble seat of a car from Indiana to New York City for the weekend. Two days later, it was back in the rumble seat for the return to Indiana. During World War II, they lived in Silver Spring, MD, where her husband was assigned to the Johns Hopkins Advanced Physics Lab and the Pentagon. Following World War II, they lived in Cleveland, OH, Weston, CT, then retired to Bradenton, FL. Most recently, she lived at Jenner's Pond and Churchman Village retirement communities.

Fritzi was a dedicated naturalist and nationally recognized as a nature and wildlife artist. In 1950, she received a degree in Museum Science. She was an author and illustrator for the Cleveland Metropolitan Parks and the United States National Park system in Washington, DC. She was a founder of the Nature Center for Environmental Activities, Westport, CT. While in Ohio, she initiated the term "Emerald Necklace" for the metropolitan park system ringing Cleveland. This term is still used today when describing the parks around Cleveland. Her art work can be seen in private museum collections and in exhibits, brochures and nature guides along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Roanoke, VA, Cape Cod National Seashore, MA and Hopewell Village, PA. She also has exhibits in the Museum of Natural History, NYC.

Fritzi was a gourmet cook, studying under Julia Child and winning many cooking awards. She was also a former member of the Ohio Park Executives, National Park Executives, National Pastel Society, National Herb Society and National Rose Society.

Prior to her death, Fritzi was a six year resident of Churchman Village retirement home in Newark, DE. The family wishes to thank the staff of Churchman Village for the wonderful care they gave her during the last years of her life.

Fritzi was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years. She is survived by her three sons, Robert D. Klopfenstein and wife, Moonyeen of Wilmington, DE, John F. Klopfenstein and wife, JoAnne of Newtown, CT and Tom S. Klopfenstein of Colorodo Springs, CO; her daughter, Nancy L. Culton and husband, Gary of Port Orange, FL; her six grandchildren and her six great grandchildren.

The family will receive visitors at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek, Wilmington, DE on Monday, December 23 from 4:00-6:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be sent to P.E.O. Sisterhood Chapter A, c/o Jo Elsman, 4830 Kennett Pike, #2505, Wilmington, DE 19807 or Churchman Village, c/o Dean Reid, 4949 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, DE 19713.

To offer condolences, visit

www.dohertyfh.com

302-999-8277

Published by The News Journal from Dec. 19 to Dec. 21, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Fritzi Klopfenstein

Not sure what to say?





We remember your mom well John, what an interesting and full life she had ... a pioneer! One of our treasures is the book she wrote about Bill the Raccoon and the colored drawing she gave us so many years ago. Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family

Dave and Anja

Friend

May 27, 2021

Dear Bob, Moonyeen and family,
Fritzi's time here with her family, friends and colleagues was a celebration of life. She was an inspiration to all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
The Dycio Family

Christine Dycio

January 3, 2014

To Fritzi's family.
Fritzi was one of my favorite patients at Churchman's Village. She is the one who gave me the nickname "Reds". I will always remember her. I'll miss you Fritzi, God Bless you and your family
Love Reds

Salina Sweeten

December 26, 2013

We are devastated to learn of Fritzi's death, and hope for comfort for the family. Mary Jane and Steve Smith (Chapter GI, FL)

December 21, 2013

Klopi I am so sorry for your family's loss. I know you thought the world of your mother-in-law. What a life well lived! Thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Kristin Joyce

December 20, 2013

Dear Bob and Moon,
What a pleasure it was to know Fritzi, even though it was in the latter stages of her life.
She certainly was an accomplished women, way ahead of her times.
My condolences on your loss.
David Ehrenfeld

David Ehrenfeld

December 20, 2013

A very special lady to Chapter GI in Bradenton Florida! Although we never met you have been an inspiration to me.

Susan Casanova

December 20, 2013

Fritzi was a wonderful and special lady. Bob - I am thinking about you and your family.

Dana Brunhammer

December 19, 2013

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Ron & Lorrie Jones

December 19, 2013

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Funeral services provided by:

Doherty Funeral Homes, Inc. - Pike Creek

3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808

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