John J. Klopp 1849 - 1933

KLOPP, AMMON, BROWN, TORRENS

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 8/19/2010 at 21:59:53

John J. Klopp, Former County Auditor Passes

John J. Klopp, a resident of Estherville for 48 years, and prominent in the city and county, died at his home late yesterday afternoon. Mr. Klopp was 84 years old and his health had been failing slowly for the past few years, although he maintained a physical and mental alertness unusual at his age. His last sickness was of less than two weeks duration.

Born in Germany on June 20, 1849, the seventh son of John J. and Katherine Klopp, he came to America with his parents at the age of five. He was raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, receiving his college education at Notre Dame university. For 43 years he was in the drug business in Leavenworth, Ind., Decorah and Estherville.

On Nov. 15, 1875 Mr. Klopp was married at Decorah to Miss Susan Ammon. Five children were born to this union, three of whom with the widow survive the father’s passing. They are Mrs. J. H. Brown of International Falls, Minn., Mrs. J. E. Torrens of Minneapolis and Miss Dorothy Klopp of Estherville. There are two grandchildren, John Klopp Torrens and Susan Brown. A daughter Birdie and an only son John have preceded their father in death.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow (Wednesday) at three o’clock from the home with Rev. A. G. Bailey of the Presbyterian church in charge.

Mr. Klopp was one of the best known and most highly respected men in Estherville. He had been active in the affairs of both the city and county in addition to his business responsibilities. He served for a number of terms on the school board and was a member of the county board of supervisors for one term. He was county auditor from 1917 to 1927, taking this office after he had close out his drug business. Fraternally Mr. Klopp affiliated with the Elks lodge, holding all the chairs of the [ missing line ] was a member and secretary of the local Woodman lodge. His death will be sorely felt by his family and the entire community mourns with them in their loss.

Estherville business houses will be closed during the hour of service from three until four and the court house offices will not open during the afternoon. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, October 31, 1933)