Mary Klopfenstein

Mary Klopfenstein, age 82, died April 1, 2022 at the Lemay Avenue Health and Rehab Center in Fort Collins where she received capable and compassionate care for the last six months of her life. Mary was born in Rockford, IL, the only child of Genevieve Ida Remenchus and William Karwelis. She met Kenneth F. Klopfenstein while attending Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, IA, and they married on Sept 3, 1961. They moved to Fort Collins immediately following the wedding.

Mary earned a Bachelor’s degree in sociology from Iowa Wesleyan College and spent decades as a social worker at the Larimer County Department of Social Services and Lutheran Family Services. She received multiple awards for her dedication to children and families, including an Employee Recognition Award for Outstanding Service to the Public Over and Above Normal Job Duties from Larimer County in 1989 and Social Worker of the Year from the Colorado State Foster Parent Association in 1997. After retirement, Mary volunteered for Pathways Hospice, first with clients (she played a mean card game) and then as a receptionist. Fittingly, she died under their skillful care.

Being connected to people was very important to Mary. She was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church and thrived on the fellowship and caring of the church. She had an undying love of horses which provided a deep connection with her daughter and a community of fellow horsewomen.

Mary is survived by her husband Ken, her three children Kenneth Klopfenstein II, William (Lauren) Klopfenstein, and Kristin (Doug) Alcouffe, and her four grandchildren Zac Lenon, Shelbi Klopfenstein, Dillon Alcouffe, and Nathan Alcouffe.

A Celebration of Life will be held May 30, 2022 at Plymouth Congregational Church in Fort Collins at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Foster and Adoptive Families of Larimer County or Pathways Hospice.