The Purdue Veterinary Medicine family is deeply saddened to learn that Dr. Dereck Alan Klopfenstein (PU DVM ’97), of Goshen, Ind., died August 25 of injuries sustained when he was struck by a car while doing a training ride for his upcoming Ironman triathlon. He was 49.
The accident occurred near Wakarusa August 8. Dr. Klopfenstein suffered massive brain damage after a vehicle struck the back of his bicycle. Reports indicated he was wearing a helmet at the time, but it came off during the crash. He was airlifted to the South Bend Memorial Trauma Center, where he remained until his passing.
A graduate of Goshen College, Dr. Klopfenstein earned his Purdue DVM degree in 1997 and then worked for three years as a veterinarian in Wisconsin. In 1999, he and his father established Dairy Veterinary Management Services in Goshen. He is remembered for his intellect and reasoning process, his deep relationships and conversations, his wit and storytelling, and his physical achievements.
Visitation will be held at College Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall from 1:00 – 8:00 p.m., Saturday, August 31, with a memorial service in the sanctuary at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 1.
Memorial gifts may be given to Heifer International, P.O. Box 8058, Little Rock, AR 72203, or to the estate via PayPal at klop4@comcast.net, to be distributed to the 529 College Savings Plans that Dr. Klopfenstein had set up for his three children – a daughter who is a sophomore in college and two sons in high school. Gifts may also be given through Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. Click here to view the complete obituary.