Susan "Sue" (Clark) Klopfenstein

Susan C. “Sue” Klopfenstein, of South Bend, IN and formerly of Charlotte, NC died peacefully following a brief illness early Thursday morning, April 29, 2021 at the Ernestine M. Raclin House in Mishawaka, IN with the arms of Christ wrapped around her.

Mrs. Klopfenstein was born on Thursday, April 14, 1955 in Fayetteville, NC to the late William Malcolm “Billy” and Vera “Jean” (Baxley) Clark, Jr.  As the former Pamela Susan Clark, on a Saturday evening, April 9, 1988 at a candlelight ceremony held at Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC she was united in marriage to her loving husband of 33 years, Thomas D. Klopfenstein.

Mrs. Klopfenstein received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1977 from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill where she did her undergraduate studies in Religion and later received her Master’s degree in 1986 in Library Science.  She taught school in the Mecklenburg School System in Charlotte, NC for a brief period before moving to South Bend, IN in 1994 where she become a Primary School Librarian in the South Bend School System for over 20 years and where she also taught Language Arts and Mathematics.  She was regarded by those who knew her as a true “Southern Lady” with a spirit of humility and a genuine respect for others.  She loved to read to primary school age children and watch the expressions on their faces as she read to them.  She was a faithful and devout Christian who raised her children to love the Lord Jesus Christ and to forgive others and to give of themselves to those in need, never expecting anything in return, but always loving them unconditionally.  She will be remembered and her legacy will be that of a woman who personified a quiet spirit and who lived her life with much grace and dignity.        

In addition to her husband, Tom, she leaves behind to cherish her memory her adoring children, her son, Thomas Ethan Klopfenstein and his wife, Kelsey of South Bend, IN and her daughter, Sarah “Olivia” Klopfenstein and her partner, Paul Bisesi, both of Indianapolis, IN.  She will be forever missed by her sweet and beautiful 6 month old granddaughter, Maia; 3 sisters, Beth Landis and her husband, Chuck of Cornelius, NC, Laurie Edwards and her husband, Jim of Fayetteville, NC and Amy Harrison and her husband, Walter of Brentwood, TN. Other survivors include her nieces, Emily Gilbertson and Kristin Klopfenstein and her nephews, Zachary Howell, Joshua Howell, Morgan Howell, Drew Comer and Tyler Klopfenstein along with 6 great-nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Jean B. Clark who died in January of 2017, her father, Billy M. Clark, Jr. who died in April of 2020 and her beloved “Aunt Fannie” and “Uncle Robert.”

The family of Mrs. Klopfenstein will pay their final respects with a graveside service to be celebrated, Three O’clock Tuesday afternoon, May 4, 2021 at Camp Ground United Methodist Church Cemetery in Fayetteville, NC with Rev. Tracy Fletcher and Rev. Sang Park officiating.  She will be laid to rest near her beloved parents in the church grave yard next to the historic Owen Chapel where she worshiped for many years as young girl. The family will receive guests that afternoon from 1:00 to 2:30 pm at the Jernigan Warren Funeral Home in Fayetteville, NC.

Memorial contributions may be offered on behalf of Mrs. Klopfenstein to Smile Train at, http://www.smiletrain.org or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

The family of Mrs. Klopfenstein wishes to personally thank, Dr. Matthew Misner and his caring medical staff at the Ernestine M. Raclin House. “We shall always be grateful for the kindness that was extended to our family during this most difficult and sad journey.”

“Sue” as she was affectionately known by so many will be forever missed by her loving and devoted husband, children, granddaughter, family, and many dear friends. 

“May God Grant Her Eternal Rest”                                                                                        

Arrangements are in the care of Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home of Elkhart, IN, and Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, NC 28301.

Online condolences may be sent to the funeral home’s website https://www.hartzlergutermuthinman.com/ & http://www.jerniganwarren.com

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