Patrick Thomas Klopp

Patrick Thomas Klopp
Bay City, Michigan
Patrick Thomas Klopp (Tom), 74, of Bay City, Michigan passed away peacefully at home on January 29, 2025, following a courageous battle with many ailments. Tom was the beloved son of the late Court and Mary Klopp of Bay City. His parents raised him alongside his four siblings, Michael (Janet), Pamela (Russ) Heeke, Deborah (Fred) Stosik, and Rebecca (the late Tom) Bladecki. Their parents instilled in them the values of family, compassion, and hard work.
Tom graduated from West Catholic High School in 1969 and proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force serving five years (1970-1975); two tours in Vietnam. There, he developed life-long bonds with his comrades and continued to spend time with them until his final days. Between tours, Tom met the love of his life, Nancy (Beeckman) on a blind date, and they were married for 51 years. Together they built a beautiful life and raised nine children, Brian, Stephanie (Jim) Hagerty, Robert, Wesley (Maria), Gregory (Sonia), Julie (Jack) Rodibaugh, John Paul, Matthew, and Elizabeth (John) Oakley. Tom adored his grandchildren, predicting in 2008 he would have 22 which turned out to be the exact number of grandchildren he has today. He took great joy in spending time with them and always had their favorite foods on hand when they would visit.
Tom's ambitions propelled him into a career of entrepreneurship, taking risks and building his own businesses from the ground up. He was determined and driven, starting Klopp's Party Shoppe in Bay City in the early eighties. Tom sold it for another opportunity opening Westwood Party Store in Saginaw, Michigan. Tom and Nancy moved their growing family to Saginaw in 1982 where he bought Marian Religious Center. Eventually Tom sold Westwood and focused completely on the church supply business. A devout Catholic, he lovingly joked that he, " went from one spirit to another" as he and Nancy shifted their attention to their Catholic roots and merged their religious foundation with their profession. They furthered their business when they purchased Andrezewski Church Supply of Bay City, creating A&M Church Supply where he spent the remainder of his career (45 years). This became his true passion, even discussing business deals with his sons through the last days of his life. He grew A&M to upwards of 5 locations throughout Michigan and Ohio providing career opportunities for his family as he expanded. He never purchased a location without calling a "family meeting" before making a final decision. His love of people landed him in the global arena when he built a relationship with Conrad Moroder of Italy and became the sole importer of one of the finest woodcarving companies in the world, even striking an exclusive deal with Walt Disney World. He has inspired his children to work hard to achieve their goals. His legacy of determination will live on through his children and grandchildren.
Aside from his love of family and business, Tom proudly featured Ave Maria Radio for 13 years at A&M, worked at the Bishop's Conference for several years, was a member of the American Legion 439 (Saginaw), was a 3rd degree Brother Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council #414, and was a University of Michigan fanatic.
Tom fought his battle for many long years and despite setbacks, his sense of humor shown through in every facet of life. He joked with family, friends, caretakers, nurses, and anyone he met along the way. Tom would make a joke just to strike up a conversation to meet someone new. Those who knew him well, will know his love of movies and dancing and he could be seen at every wedding dancing with his wife. His last movie request was "Footloose". We'll dance again with you one day. He was a great example of one who connects, genuinely, with other people and he will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, February 3, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Dominic Parish- 1310 Malzahn Street, Saginaw, MI 48602. Military honors, under the auspices of the American Legion #439 in Saginaw and the US AirForce will be immediately after Mass on the church property. Interment will be at St. Patrick Cemetery in Bay City. Family and friends will gather at Squires Funeral Home, 211 N. Henry Street, Bay City, MI 48706 on Sunday, February 2nd from 2:00 to 8:00 PM and at church on Monday after 10:00 AM. A Knights of Columbus Bible Presentation and Rosary will be Sunday at 6:00 PM at the funeral home. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to "Family Wishes" in care of Nancy Klopp. www.squiresfuneralhome.com