Ralph Eugene Klopfenstein, 86, St. Marys, OH died 8:03 a.m. Monday October 5, 2015 at JTDM Hospital in St. Marys.

He was born July 5, 1929 in Uniopolis, OH to John and Kathryn (Vinson) Klopfenstein. On December 8, 1953, he married Mary Lou Homan, who survives.

Also survived by: daughter Teresa Klopfenstein of Mount Vernon, OH; son John (Lyn) Klopfenstein of Ocala, FL; son James (Jeanne) Klopfenstein of St. Marys, OH; grandchildren: Justin Klopfenstein, Joel Klopfenstein, Jordan (Laremy) Griffis, Erin (Matt) Miller, Lauren Klopfenstein; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Esther Homan, Edwin (Luella) Homan, Louis (Mildred) Homan, Helen Homan, Martina (Carl) Uhlenhake, Helen (Richard) Trigg.

Preceded in death by: parents John and Kathryn Klopfenstein; sister Romilda Klopfenstein; sister Josephine Klopfenstein; brother John Klopfenstein; brother Earl (Grace) Klopfenstein; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Raymond (Vera) Homan, Leonore Homan, Al (Bernie) Homan, Victor Homan, Viola (Harold) Muhlenkamp, Thomas Homan, Julianna Homan.

He attended New Knoxville High School and was a veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Korean War.

He retired from the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., where he worked as a mechanic. He then worked as a courier for St. Marys Chrysler for a number of years.

He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church where he served as an usher. He was also a life member of American Legion Post # 323 and Eagles Lodge Aerie # 767, both in St. Marys.

Ralph was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His favorite pastimes include walking, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren. He also had a lifelong interest in all types of motor vehicles, and was a tremendous supporter of The OSU Buckeyes.

Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled to begin 11:00 a.m. Friday October 9, 2015 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 511 E. Spring Street in St. Marys, with the Rev. David Beck, celebrant and Deacon Martin Brown, homilist. Burial, with full graveside military honors, will follow at Gethsemane in St. Marys.

Visitation 4 – 8 p.m. Thursday and 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. on Friday at the Miller Funeral Home, 1605 Celina Road (Ohio 703 West Chapel) in St. Marys.

Memorial contributions may be directed to either Friends of Holy Rosary or Grand Lake Hospice.

Condolences may be expressed to the family via: www.millerfuneralhomes.net.