St. Joseph County Fair remembers longtime board member

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. - The 2017 St. Joseph County Fair will be different than years past.

Active members of 4-H are remembering Wilbur Klopfenstein, a beloved fair board member.

“I guess it was just something we fell into. You know? Back when we had the kids,” Wilbur’s wife Alene said of 4-H.

The fair had always been a family affair for the Klopfensteins.

“He showed cattle and tractor driving. He was a tractor driver,” Alene said.

This year Alene is celebrating the fair without her husband by her side.

Wilbur died last week in a car accident.

“He was known by so many people,” Alene said.

For the St. Joseph County Fair, Wilbur’s impact is immeasurable.

He was on the board for two decades, opened his farm to 4-H club tours, and all his children and grandchildren have been through the program themselves.

“We always enjoyed children,” Alene said.

This year, one of Wilbur and Alene’s granddaughters is showing cattle.

Another will be in the rodeo.

“I will be there for our granddaughter for the two of us, so that’s the important thing,” Alene said.

A very special piece of Wilbur is also on special display at the fair.

His woodworking pieces are in a special case for all to see.

It’s a memory inspiring everyone making this year’s fair the best ever, one WIlbur would have been proud of.

In lieu of flowers for Wilbur’s funeral, donations were made to the 4-H scholarship fund.