Robert Klepfer Jr.

1942 - 2025

On Friday evening, October 24, 2025, Jesus welcomed a very special man into Heaven. Robert Onan Klepfer, Jr., died peacefully at Wake Forest Baptist Cancer Center, surrounded by his family.

He was special indeed.

Kind. Generous. Dedicated. Faithful. Funny.

He lived for others. He gave himself away

-to his family and friends

-to his community

-to his church and Lord, Jesus

He lived his faith!

Bob was a true Tar Heel, born and bred, and a special fan of UNC.

Born in Lenoir, NC, Bob grew up in Mooresville, NC, where his father was the band director for Junior and Senior High Schools. Bob graduated from Mooresville Senior High with honors in 1961 and went on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he also graduated with honors. At UNC-CH, he continued with band, playing drums when marching and oboe in concert. Bob spent two years and two summers preparing to enter law school under the early admission program. Bob and Joretta married on June 2, 1963; then Joretta went to work and Bob started law school. Bob passed the bar in 1966 and proudly arrived in Greensboro ready to start his legal career at the law firm of Stern, Rendleman and Isaacson.

Bob was truly a special man.

As a young lawyer, Bob soon found ways he could help others – sometimes using his training as a lawyer and other times offering his leadership skills - always generous with his time and with loving concern for the people he served. The list is lengthy, and I share it to honor Bob and his life's work.

Drug Action Council of Greensboro

Greensboro Urban Ministry

Crisis Control Center

Greensboro Native American Association

Bennett College

Mental Health Association of Greensboro and Guilford County, Mental Health Association of North Carolina, and the National Mental Health Association. He served in leadership positions for all three.

North Carolina Center for Nonprofits

Action Greensboro – Served as Director, June 2006 – December 2007

Greensboro Symphony Orchestra - served as Board Chairman and as board member for many years.

As Executive Director of the Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation, Bob was a special man for the non-profit community of Guilford County

He served with dedication those who needed assistance of any kind, making sure the Board of Directors had the information they needed to make decisions about the requests for grants.

Bob was a special man to the congregation of First Lutheran Church.

He taught Sunday School 25+ years, served on the Social Ministry and Stewardship Committees and served the Church Council in leadership positions, including two separate terms as President. Bob was the go-to man of choice for Master of Ceremonies at special events. His sly humor could easily lift the room to raucous laughter and yet his faithful side would always be present to honor and praise God.

Bob was a special man to his family.

He was named after his father and proudly bore his name: Robert O. Klepfer.

His mother was Hilda Ethel Montgomery. Both parents are now deceased, as are a sister, Barbara Klepfer Brown, and a nephew, Morris Haywood.

Family members who survive are his wife of 62 years, Joretta Kennerly Klepfer; son, Robert O. Klepfer, III; brother, Walter F. Klepfer (Sherry); nieces and nephew: Kassandra, Cheryl, Lisa, David, and Lauren, as well as multiple aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Memorial Service will be held November 9, at 3:00 PM in the Worship Room of First Lutheran Church. Interment will be in the Memorial Garden for the family.

The family invites everyone to join them after the service as they gather in the Fellowship Hall at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Agape Kure Beach Ministries, the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra or a mental health non-profit of your choice.