Submitted by: Dan Rich

Antoinette J. Klopfenstein

September 1, 1932 - December 13, 2004

South Bend Tribune 12/15/2004

Antoinette J. "Toni" Klopfenstein, age 72, a life long area resident of South Bend, died early Monday morning December 13th in Hospice House, South Bend with her husband by her side.

Toni was born on September 1, 1932 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Frank C. and Santina (Raia) Spiteri and was the oldest of three children.

As the former Antoinette Joyce Spiteri on November 22, 1952, in St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church, South Bend, she married her loving husband of 52 years, Ralph R. Klopfenstein Jr., who survives along with their two sons, Thomas D. (Susan) Klopfenstein of South Bend and Kurt A. (Marsha) Klopfenstein of Osceola, Indiana. She also leaves behind her four grandchildren, Thomas, Olivia, Kristin and Tyler Klopfenstein; two brothers, Peter (Beth) Spiteri of South Bend, and Robert (Anne) Spiteri of Virginia Beach, Virginia and several nieces and nephews. Toni was a graduate of Riley High School, South Bend and was a member of The Cathedral of Saint Matthew, South Bend. She was a clerk for many years with the former Robertson's Department Store, and later with Montgomery Ward in the drapery department.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered in celebration of the life of Toni Klopfenstein at 10 a.m. Thursday, December 16th 2004 in The Cathedral of Saint Matthew with Rev. John Cramer as celebrant and Rev. Robert Austgen, CSC as co-celebrant. At the family's request committal services will be private in Highland Cemetery. Friends may call on Wednesday, evening, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 West 8th Street, Mishawaka, Indiana 255-1474, where a Rosary will be said at 5 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made on behalf of Mrs. Klopfenstein to Hospice of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, Indiana 46637 or to The Cathedral of Saint Matthew, 1701 Miami, South Bend, Indiana 46613.

God saw you getting tired, and a cure was not to be, so He put His arms around you, and whispered "COME TO ME". With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly. We could not make you stay. A Golden heart stopped beating. Hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best. Toni will be deeply missed by her loving and devoted husband, family and many friends. May God grant her eternal rest.