He was loved by his employees, colleagues, and clients who considered him a friend. He mentored many veterinarians, and regularly hosted students at the clinic, but never missed one of Bryan’s baseball games, swim meets, band concerts, phone calls or the chance to play catch or hit in the batting cage. He also volunteered to coach Bryan’s teams through little league. He enjoyed traveling the world alongside Jana and Bryan, making family time and experiences with them his top priority. He was an excellent downhill snow skier, frequently visiting Whistler Mountain in Canada, and an avid sports fan. His favorite sport was baseball and he held season tickets for the Diamondbacks from their inaugural season in 1998 until his passing, highlighted by attending 75 games (including the World Series victory) with his family in 2001. He also enjoyed running, hiking, and adventuring and finished his first of 8 marathons at the age of 55. He then hiked and summited a 14,000 foot peak in Colorado, went sky-diving with daughter-in-law Amy and also managed in one day to complete the 28 mile “Rim-to-Rim” hike of the Grand Canyon. The latter feat was accomplished just one month before undergoing surgery for the rare form of brain cancer which took his life. He was blessed to know his granddaughter Taylor and read stories to her every chance that he could. Lloyd always loved to serve at church, supporting the start of both Christ’s Church of the Valley and of the Refinery Christian Church and frequented mission trips with a desire to help those both in his community and in other countries. He was generous to all people with both his time and with his finances. As a leader, instead of commanding those around him, he led by his passionate example of hard work, and inspired those around him to both fulfilling work and better lives. He had a brilliant way of teaching through demonstration with such incredible patience, kindness, and humility that it would be easy to be unaware that he was passing on so much knowledge. Those close to him came to believe that the Lord must have given him more time in the day than most, and would agree that he spent this time both wisely and unselfishly.

It is difficult to do justice for a man who was as close to perfect as it gets. Lloyd Herbert Kloppe was a great man and a humble servant leader who lived out the words of the Bible, without fear, and possessed a genius of simplicity even in the most difficult situations and trying times. He surrounded himself with amazing friends. His judgement was trusted by all. He lived life to the fullest as an inspiration, mentor, and friend. He never spoke a bad word about anyone or complained, even during his hard fought cancer battle. We have also yet to find anyone with a bad word to say about him. The joy in his eyes radiated his love for life, family, friends, animals and the Lord. His legacy lives on, leaving the world a better place.

Visitation will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in New Haven, Missouri on Saturday, July 30th between 9-11am with a funeral service to begin at 11am followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to St. Jude Children Research Hospital.

Bethlehem Lutheran Church
3825 Boeuf Lutheran Rd
New Haven, MO  63068

Further plans for a celebration of Lloyd’s life to be held in Arizona at a later date will be announced when they are finalized.