Lawrence J. Klipfel Jr.

Lawrence “Curly” James Klipfel, Jr., son to the late Lawrence Anton Klipfel and Clara Elizabeth LeGrand Klipfel, was born on December 31, 1934 in Benton, Missouri and passed away at St. Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on January 2, 2026 at the age of 91 years old.

On June 14, 1958, he was united in marriage to Shirley C. Schaefer at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso, Missouri. Following Shirley’s death, Lawrence married Mary Halter Schwepker on November 25, 2006 at St. Denis Catholic Church.

Lawrence was a graduate of Benton High School. He served in the Missouri National Guard before beginning his career at Wetterau Foods/Supervalu before retiring. Lawrence also owned and operated Klipfel Custom Butchering. He attended St. Denis Catholic Church and was a member of Knights of Columbus and the St. Denis Men’s Sodality.

He lived a life rich in simple joys and marked by a deep devotion to his family and faith. An avid traveler, he proudly visited all 50 states, always eager to explore new places and experiences. Lawrence was a skilled woodworker who lovingly crafted handmade treasures for his grandchildren, gifts that reflected both his talent and his heart. His family cherished moments spent listening to him play the harmonica and sing his favorite tune, “Sweet Violets.” A loyal St. Louis Cardinals fan, he rarely missed watching a game. Nothing meant more to him than his grandchildren, and he took great joy in spending time with them, especially cheering them on at their sporting events. His favorite pastimes also included playing Euchre with his sons and family, tending his garden, and enjoying quiet moments on the front porch with a word search in hand.

Survivors include five sons, Kenny (Lori) Klipfel, Rick (Cheri) Klipfel, Tom (Trish) Klipfel, James (LouCinda) Klipfel, and Mark (Jill) Klipfel; nine grandchildren, Cara (Brandon) Dirnberger, Kimberly (Caleb) Seyer, Carissa (Amos) Helms, Sean (Kayla) Klipfel, Nathan Klipfel, Seth (Meghan) Klipfel, Drew Klipfel, Caleb Klipfel, and Paige Klipfel; and nine great-grandchildren, Berkley Dirnberger, Lane Seyer, Brayley Dirnberger, Hudson Seyer, Reid Helms, Jaxon Klipfel, Lawson Klipfel, Blakely Klipfel, and Shepherd Seyer.

Upon the union of marriage to Mary, he was blessed to add to his family. Survivors include Kathy (Mike) Huebner, Charlie (Laura) Schwepker, Dave (Kendra) Schwepker, John (Sheila) Schwepker, and Rich (Autumn) Schwepker; 18 grandchildren, Ben (Shawn), Matt (Briana), Nick (Alyssa), Mitch (Abby), Miranda (Nick), Jeff, Josh, Charlie III, Anthony, Lauren, Evan, Luke, Isaac, Chris (Jessica), JJ (Jenna), Jake, Andrew (Alicia), and Nicole; and nine great-grandchildren, Mia, Hugh, Audrey, Lucy, Theo, Tommy, Hayes, Mason, and Miles.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley; parents, Lawrence and Clara; step-mom, Josephine Kincaid Klipfel; brothers, Anthony, Edward, Sylvester, and Joseph Klipfel; sisters, Colletta McKinstry, Martha Eftink, Rita Jansen, and Dorothy Tucker; grandchildren, Lauren Klipfel and Joshua Klipfel; and great-grandchild, Brody Seyer.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 5th from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at St. Denis Parish Center and January 6th from 8:30 until time of service at Amick Burnett Funeral Chapel in Benton, Mo. Parish prayers will be held at 7:00 p.m. with Knights of Columbus prayers following. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, January 6th at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Daniel Belken and Monsignor Norman Varone officiating. Interment will follow in the St. Denis Catholic Cemetery.