Barbara J. Klopfenstein passed away on October 27, 2016 after a courageous journey with pancreatic cancer. Barbara was born in Oberlin, Ohio on August 28, 1938 to Eugene and Elizabeth Comings. Barbara graduated from Bryan High School in the class of 1956 and attended Miami of Ohio University, where she was a physical education major and a member of the women’s golf team. She entered the world of work in Toledo, Ohio where she met Norman Appelbaum. They were married in 1960 and were together until 1963 when Norman died in a work related accident. Barbara and Norman had two children, Shelley Appelbaum of East Lansing, Michigan and Nathan Appelbaum, who passed away as a young infant in 1964. In the summer of 1969, Barbara married Rex Klopfenstein, Sr. and they enjoyed 39 years of marriage until Rex passed away in the summer of 2008. Barbara was preceded in death by her father, Eugene Comings, her mother, Elizabeth Comings, her first husband, Norman Appelbaum, her son, Nathan Appelbaum, her second husband, Rex Klopfenstein, Sr., her eldest sister, Dorothy Koller, and her cats – Sylvester, Rosie, Cassidy and Casper. Barbara’s surviving family members are daughter, Shelley Appelbaum, sons, Rex Klopfenstein, Jr. (Florence), William Klopfenstein (Patricia), granddaughters, Kristin Bahir (Danny), Melissa Crowe (Brian), Stephanie Blodgett (Troy), and 8 great grandchildren, siblings – Mary Gibler (Virgil), Bill Comings (Deb), Sandy Maidment, John Comings (Lynne) and Peggy Babcock – and numerous wonderful nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Barbara adored her family and pets and enjoyed being engaged in the Bowling Green Community for over 53 years. She was a long time member of the First United Methodist Church, the Bowling Green Country Club and the BGCC Golferettes, the Women’s Club, the Wood County Hospital Guild, P.E.O, the Wood County Historical Society, the BG City Parks and Recreation Foundation, and several bridge groups with her dear friends. She volunteered over the years for the Wood County Hospital Pharmacy, the American Red Cross, the church and other entities as she took great pleasure in giving back to the community, whenever possible. Barbara took tremendous pride in providing love and support to her family and was always present at their events and activities; she enjoyed working at Newlove Realty in the early years when she moved to Bowling Green and she also assisted at the family business, King Industries, Inc. for several decades. She was truly the rock for her family in a multitude of ways and took pleasure in hosting and attending events with those near and dear to her. Barbara was an avid sports enthusiast and she loved participating in and watching sports, playing board games, card games and other fun filled activities, reading books, painting and traveling with her family. She loved going “up north” to the lake and experiencing the peace and solitude of being on or near the water. She always looked forward to spending time with her family and friends which brought an incredible amount of happiness to her life. Barbara faced many significant losses early in her life but she focused on the glass being half full and she lived every day to the fullest, including after receiving a devastating diagnosis with terminal pancreatic cancer in late February. Her courage, strength and humor were qualities people marveled at throughout her life, especially as she navigated a challenging journey in 2016. “Team Barb” was comprised of numerous amazing people, including devoted family members, loyal friends and neighbors, all of her incredible care givers at Bridge Hospice (Anna, Sherry, Meg, Susan, Dr. Dawley and Dr. Jacobus) and at Heritage Corner (Lisa, Leslie, Tommie, Abbie, Mona, Kuri, and numerous aides) who helped her and her daughter in a multitude of ways during her illness. The entire family will be forever grateful for the on-going unconditional love, support, generosity and kindness. You were all truly a “rainbow in the clouds” for Barbara and her loved ones….thank you! Donations in memory of Barbara J. Klopfenstein can be directed to The First United Methodist Church and Simpson Garden Park. In Barbara’s honor, please consider a “random act of kindness” for a person (or animal) in need that least expects it; know that it will make her smile from heaven to know that it made someone’s day. Barbara’s funeral will be at the First United Methodist Church on Monday, October 31st beginning at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon immediately following the funeral at the church. Private burial will occur at Oak Grove Cemetery after the luncheon. Visitation will be on Sunday, October 30th from 1 – 5 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home, located in Bowling Green’s Historical District at 408 W. Wooster St. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
