Pleasant Hill History Center

Klopfer's

In the spring of 1921, Klopfer’s Market was started by Louie Klopfer.  He was the son of Christian and Elizabeth Klopfer.  He married Edna Minnich and had three sons.

In the fall of 1921, Louie had an auction and sold his farm on Rangeline Road and moved to Pleasant Hill.

In 1925, his son J. C. joined the business with Paul joining two years later. 

The Klopfers butchered their own meat in a barn just west of the cemetery.  The store was known for its good meat department. 

In the 30’s and 40’s they had a huckster route.  They filled the truck with groceries and took them around to outlying areas.  The farm wives would trade chickens, eggs and other farm produce for their groceries. 

In 1939, Louie died leaving the store to J. C. and Paul.  They continued to run the store with their families.  

At Christmas time, Klopfer’s gave out hot dogs to their customers.  They cooked the hot dogs in lard cans.  Helen Klopfer related that many kids got sick eating too many hot dogs.

The store was also something of a social center.  Merchants would get together and have picture shows on the side of the building.  They were free for anyone who showed up.

J. C. Klopfer died in 1963.  His wife, Helen, continued to work in the family business.   Paul managed the store until his death in 1974 at which time Bill Schultz then managed the store along with Paul’s wife Mary Lynn and Helen Klopfer. 

In 1977, the Klopfer Super Valu was sold to Clarence Cross.  He retained the name of Klopfer’s until 1982.  Many today remember shopping at Klopfer’s and look back fondly on those days.