Lloyd John Klapperich

Lloyd John Klapperich, 73, of Roanoke, Va., was a free-thinker who brought humor, insight, and unconventional vision to every facet of his life. Lloyd died in the arms of his loving wife, Margaret, on April 7, 2010, in Roanoke after a long illness. Born in Melrose, Minn., he served in the United States Army for three years in the 1950s before graduating from St. John's University in Collegeville, Minn., in 1960. Lloyd was active in the civil rights movement, making a trip to Selma, Ala., to register voters, and was present at the Lincoln Memorial when Martin Luther King gave his "I Have a Dream" speech.
He married Margaret Ochoa in 1968, living in Staunton for many years while Lloyd worked as a claims adjuster for Ohio Casualty and they reared their two sons. Lloyd was instrumental in establishing the Blue Ridge Chapter of the American Society of Dowsers in the Shenandoah Valley and served as its first president.
In retirement, he spent many hours studying and editing the "Lessons of Enlightenment," a non-dogmatic resource for truth seekers available online at www.cosmicawareness.org. Lloyd had a boundless capacity to find humor in the mundane---subtle, wry, yet belly-aching laugh funny.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret; two sons, Kerry of Charlottesville, and Kevin of Richmond; a sister, Bernice Hatch, of Washington; and a niece, Jill Guth, of Minnesota, who has been like a daughter to him; as well as many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by two sisters, Jeanette Thelen, of Minnesota, and Renee Benoit, of Florida; and a brother, Ralph of Minnesota.
The family invites you to share your fondest and most colorful memories of Lloyd at www.familychoicefunerals.com. A light buffet and visitation followed by a time of remembrance to honor Lloyd will be held 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, April 18, 2010, at Green Ridge Recreation Center. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Carilion Clinic Hospice, 1615 Franklin Road, Roanoke, Va. 24016-5208. The family also wishes to express its sincere gratitude for the outstanding medical care and compassion given by the physicians and staff of Blue Ridge Cancer Care. Arrangements entrusted to Family Choice Funerals & Cremations, 4922 Valley View Blvd., Roanoke, Va. 24012.
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