August 14, 1930 - March 04, 2019
Dr. Keith Klopfenstein, 88, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away peacefully Monday, March 4, 2019. Keith Klopfenstein was born in Western Oklahoma on August 14, 1930. He received his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1956. He then completed a residency in internal medicine in 1960 at the university Hospital of Oklahoma City, followed by a fellowship in Cardiology in 1963. Before embarking on his medical career, Klopfenstein served his country in the U.S. Army rising to the rank of captain. Upon moving to Fort Smith, Klopfenstein began his career in cardiology at Holt Krock Clinic. Dr. Klopfenstein retired from Sparks Regional Medical Center in 2009 after 45 years. He is credited with opening the first Cardiac Center in Arkansas. He received the Mayor’s Appreciation Award for his many years of exceptional service to the thousands of patients he treated. Klopfenstein was an avid hunter, fisherman and farmer. He was a member of the Snake Root Society and the Wilderness Club. He is preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn and brother, Richard. He is survived by his two sons, Mark Klopfenstein, Karl Klopfenstein and wife Mary; two daughters, Betsy Mars and husband Tom, Carol Mailand; brother, Bob Klopfenstein and wife Ophelia; grandchildren, Sara Barth and husband Thomas, Ben Klopfenstein, Daniel Klopfenstein, Alex Huett and husband Wilson, Thomas Mars, Hannah Mailand, Annabel Moses and husband Shane, Derrek Mailand, Trenton Mailand; and great grandchildren, Caius Wood, and Amelia Barth. Visitation will be held from 2:00-3:00 PM, Sunday, March 10, 2019 at Lewis Funeral Chapel in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, March 11, 2019 at Immaculate Conception Church located at 22 North 13th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas. Burial will follow at the Fort Smith national Cemetery. The family would like to thank those who cared for Dr. Klopfenstein in his final years. With their help, he was able to remain in his home until his death. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the American Heart Association.