Ted L. Klopfenstein, 62, of Mt. Pleasant, died Thursday, March 12, 2026 at his residence.
Ted Lewis Klopfenstein was born June 11, 1963 in Davenport, Iowa. He was the son of Wayne Lewis and Phyllis Iva (Lane) Klopfenstein. Ted graduated from Mt. Pleasant Community High School as a member of the Class of 1981. He furthered his education at Kirkwood Community College where he received his diploma in Auto Body Restoration.
Ted was united in marriage to Vicki Headley. To this union, a daughter was born – Amanda May. The couple later divorced.
Ted began his own auto restoration service, Ted’s Auto Body. Ted was also a longtime plumber with Taft-Wiley Plumbing and Heating in Mt. Pleasant. In his retirement, Ted worked for Everett Smith Construction. Ted used his knowledge of plumbing, electrical wiring and construction to build his own house on some of the land on the family farm.
Ted was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Mt. Pleasant where he was baptized and confirmed.
Ted had a deep appreciation and love of cars, especially the cars considered “classics”. Cars were not the only mode of transportation dear to Ted, as he loved to get on his motorcycle for a ride. When not around cars or on his motorcycle, Ted could be found on or near the water. Being on his boat or on the beach always brought Ted great joy. He was an avid deer hunter and was very adept in using the meat. He loved to cook for everyone, especially in the summer. His devotion to cooking almost led Ted to open a restaurant with a friend of his. Friends were at the core of all of Ted’s hobbies. No matter which fun activity Ted was engaged in, Ted always made sure his friends were there for the fun as well.
Those thankful for sharing in Ted’s life include his daughter, Amanda May Barry and her husband Chris of Cedar Rapids; his 3 grandchildren – Lacie, Aliyana and Ottilie Barry; his brother – John Klopfenstein and his wife Lin of Mt. Pleasant; his sister – Judith Miller and her husband Jim of Carrolton, TX; and Ted’s longtime companion, Dizee Johnson of New London.
Ted’s parents and an infant brother, Phillip Wayne Klopfenstein, precede him in death.
Friend may call to sign the register from 12-7PM on Friday, March 27 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant. The family will receive friends from 10AM-12 Noon on Saturday, March 28 at the funeral home. A private family funeral service will occur Saturday afternoon.
Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the All God’s Creatures Animal Shelter of Mt. Pleasant.
