1919
George
2012
George H Klinefelter
January 27, 1919 — December 21, 2012
On Friday Dec. 21, 2012 Rev. George H Klinefelter left his earthly body with family by his side at the home of his son Philip with whom he had lived since his wife’s passing in April of 2009.
Born Jan 27, 1919 in Zelienople, Pennsylvania he graduated from Heidelberg College, Tiffin, Ohio in 1940 where he met his future wife Josephine Niswander. After he graduated from Lancaster Theological Seminary, Lancaster, Pa. in 1943 they were married. They went on to serve in Mechanicsburg and Northampton, Pa from 1943-1957. Then in Middletown, Maryland form 1957 to 1972, Wooster, Ohio from 1972-1978. After serving at Emanuel U.C.C. in Bluffton, Ohio from 1978-1988. George retired from full time ministry. In 1993 he tried to retire from active ministry but found himself unable to turn down requests from the flock he had so faithfully served.
By 2003 the effects of macular degeneration and Alzheimer’s had reached a point where he was no longer able to shepherd the sheep, but he continued to enjoy refinishing furniture and gardening.
Over the years their love for traveling took George and Josephine to nearly all the continental states and Canada. National and state parks, historic homes, museums and gardens were all thoroughly enjoyed. Seeing the many wonders of God’s creative hand in nature never ceased to amaze them both.
Over the years he had been active on various committees of Assn. and conferences. He also held offices in Rotary and Lions Clubs and Fire companies in the communities that he served. As a longtime Red Cross blood donor he again expressed his giving and caring nature. Even in the latter stages of his disease he continued to minister to those around him.
A celebration of life service will be held at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 7605 Pleasant Home Road, Smithville, Ohio at 7:00 p.m. on Friday December 28, 2012. Friends will be greeted one hour prior to the services. A committal service will be held At Emanuel U.C.C., 8375 Phillips Road, Bluffton, Ohio beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Sat., December 29, 2012. Burial will take place in Maple Grove Cemetery, Bluffton, Ohio. Matteson Funeral Home is Handling the arrangements. Online obituary and condolences may be shared at the funeral home website @mattesonfh.com.
The surviving family includes a son Philip and Elizabeth of West Salem, son-in-law- Bill Hyatt of Middletown, Ohio and a daughter-in-law Jeanette Bates of Indianapolis, IN
8 grandchildren- Christi (Jeremy) Hostetler, Rebecca (Robert) Antill, Laura, Charles and Katie Klinefelter, Amy Hyatt, Ken(Kristen) Hyatt, and Ben (Andrea) Klinefelter.
Five great grandchildren- Daniel and Elizabeth Hostetler, Nicholas Hyatt, Zachary and Luke Klinefelter,
Memorials may be made in George’s name to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greater Wayne County, 2525 Back Orrville Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691
George was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, a brother, his son Gregory, daughter Mary Jo and his wife Josephine of nearly 66 years.
Born Jan 27, 1919 in Zelienople, Pennsylvania he graduated from Heidelberg College, Tiffin, Ohio in 1940 where he met his future wife Josephine Niswander. After he graduated from Lancaster Theological Seminary, Lancaster, Pa. in 1943 they were married. They went on to serve in Mechanicsburg and Northampton, Pa from 1943-1957. Then in Middletown, Maryland form 1957 to 1972, Wooster, Ohio from 1972-1978. After serving at Emanuel U.C.C. in Bluffton, Ohio from 1978-1988. George retired from full time ministry. In 1993 he tried to retire from active ministry but found himself unable to turn down requests from the flock he had so faithfully served.
By 2003 the effects of macular degeneration and Alzheimer’s had reached a point where he was no longer able to shepherd the sheep, but he continued to enjoy refinishing furniture and gardening.
Over the years their love for traveling took George and Josephine to nearly all the continental states and Canada. National and state parks, historic homes, museums and gardens were all thoroughly enjoyed. Seeing the many wonders of God’s creative hand in nature never ceased to amaze them both.
Over the years he had been active on various committees of Assn. and conferences. He also held offices in Rotary and Lions Clubs and Fire companies in the communities that he served. As a longtime Red Cross blood donor he again expressed his giving and caring nature. Even in the latter stages of his disease he continued to minister to those around him.
A celebration of life service will be held at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 7605 Pleasant Home Road, Smithville, Ohio at 7:00 p.m. on Friday December 28, 2012. Friends will be greeted one hour prior to the services. A committal service will be held At Emanuel U.C.C., 8375 Phillips Road, Bluffton, Ohio beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Sat., December 29, 2012. Burial will take place in Maple Grove Cemetery, Bluffton, Ohio. Matteson Funeral Home is Handling the arrangements. Online obituary and condolences may be shared at the funeral home website @mattesonfh.com.
The surviving family includes a son Philip and Elizabeth of West Salem, son-in-law- Bill Hyatt of Middletown, Ohio and a daughter-in-law Jeanette Bates of Indianapolis, IN
8 grandchildren- Christi (Jeremy) Hostetler, Rebecca (Robert) Antill, Laura, Charles and Katie Klinefelter, Amy Hyatt, Ken(Kristen) Hyatt, and Ben (Andrea) Klinefelter.
Five great grandchildren- Daniel and Elizabeth Hostetler, Nicholas Hyatt, Zachary and Luke Klinefelter,
Memorials may be made in George’s name to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greater Wayne County, 2525 Back Orrville Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691
George was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, a brother, his son Gregory, daughter Mary Jo and his wife Josephine of nearly 66 years.
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