David John Klopfenstein

David John Klopfenstein died on Sunday, September 21, 2025, in Hastings, MI, at the age of 84. He was born on January 30, 1941, in Lake Odessa, MI, to Glendull and Bernice (nee Shumway) Klopfenstein.

David grew up in Lansing while also spending significant time at his grandparents' home in Lake Odessa. He graduated from Lansing Eastern High School in 1959, then Michigan State University in 1964. Shortly after graduating from MSU he served in the United States Army Reserves and Michigan National Guard. Later in life he also earned an Associate degree in electronics from Lansing Community College.

David settled near Lake Odessa in the area where he spent the summers of his youth. He invested significant time and energy, almost single-handedly building the house in which he would live out the remainder of his life until the realities of advanced age forced him into a nursing home for the final few months.

David worked in a variety of fields throughout his life, as a machinist, accountant, bus driver, and industrial electrician. He was also a skilled mechanic with a keen interest in muscle cars from a young age. He loved repairing almost anything that was old and broken, returning items to useful service even if no immediate use was at hand. He enjoyed trains (especially steam engines), clocks and watches of nearly any variety, WWII history, western TV and movies, car shows, steam shows, old tractors, astronomy, and bluegrass music.

David was also a talented musician. He played trumpet during high school in concert, orchestra, jazz, and dance bands. He played with the MSU marching band while at university. He often played in Hastings City Band and Thornapple Wind Band as an adult and sang for many years in the Lakewood Choral Society. His preferred instrument later in life was a banjo, being self-taught on that particular instrument.

David was preceded in death by his parents Glendull and Bernice Klopfenstein, brother Philip (Anna Jo) Klopfenstein, and brother Paul (Barbara) Klopfenstein.

He is survived by daughter Heather (Kenneth) Garlitch of Portland, son Kevin (Laura) Klopfenstein of Hastings, grandson Kenneth (Sydney) Garlitch III of Allendale, granddaughter Alayna Garlitch of Grand Rapids, grandsons Benjamin and Ethan Klopfenstein of Hastings, and great-granddaughter Hadley Garlitch of Allendale.

David elected cremation and no funeral service is planned. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.