Cheryl Kay Klopfenstein

Cheryl Kay Klopfenstein passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on July 7, 2026, in Hastings, MI, at the age of 83.

Cheri was born on October 16, 1942, to Leon and Erma (nee Sheldon) Tyler. She grew up in and around Woodland, first on their farm on Barnum Rd, then in the village during her high school years. The youngest of five children, Cheri enjoyed playing in the woods and along the streams near the farm with her faithful collie shepherd Rusty. She graduated from Woodland High School in 1960, and opted to go directly into the workforce after graduation.

Cheri worked as a secretary throughout her life. As a full time working mother of two children she commuted from Lake Odessa to Lansing for many of those parenting years, sacrificing much of her time to provide for her family. Such dedication was present throughout her life. Her life stands as a testament to hard work, her independent spirit carrying her through life's many hardships.

Cheri was a talented musician and played piano for almost her entire life. She began playing hymns in church while in high school at Woodland United Methodist Church. As it turned out, she returned to that same church of her youth decades later during the sunset years of her life to once again accompany the congregation there with her piano talents. In the intervening decades she played for many different events and venues, including an original composition written by her for a coworker's poem set to music and sung by her daughter at her graduation.

Throughout her life Cheri was a prolific reader, and enjoyed gardening, jigsaw puzzles, and crocheting items for family and friends.

Cheri was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Clarence Tyler, Dorothy Buck, Merrill Tyler, Gordon Tyler, and infant daughter Cinda Lynn Hurlburt. She will be fondly remembered by daughter Heather (Kenneth) Garlitch, son Kevin (Laura) Klopfenstein, grandson Kenneth (Sydney) Garlitch III, granddaughter Alayna (Anthony) Costello, grandsons Benjamin and Ethan Klopfenstein, and great-granddaughter Hadley Garlitch.

Memorial service arrangements are pending. Cheri's family would like to extend a special gratitude to everyone at Serenity Village compassion home for their excellent care for Cheri and her family during her final days. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Serenity Village (Hastings, MI) and Woodland United Methodist Church (Woodland, MI). Services provided by Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings, Michigan. To leave online condolences visist www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.