We mourn the passing of Franklin Ross Klopp. Franklin took his passage to the happy hunting and fishing grounds on November 30, 2023 with Hospice in Fortuna. He was born June 26, 1934 in Lebanon, Penn. to Irwin and Verna Reichenbach Klopp. Franklin (“Klippity”) was brother to older sister Verna Lorraine (“Raine”) and younger brother Roy Tyrone (“Butch”).

Scarce work caused the Klopp family to move across the country in the 1940s. During this trip, his mom became ill and they had a lengthy stay in Arizona. The dry air was good for her lungs and when Verna was able to travel, they made their way to the north-eastern California town of McCloud. In 1952 Franklin graduated from McCloud High School. After graduation Franklin moved to Arcata and started working at Simpson Timber Co. It was at Simpson’s that he met Joan McMillan. Franklin was drafted in 1958. He and Joan married and then he was on his way to Fort Sill, Oklahoma where he served his time in the Army.

Franklin and Joan had three children, Jeffrey born in 1962 and identical twin girls, Karen and Sharon on 1/1/65.

Franklin received his Civil Engineering degree from Humboldt State University in 1965. Eventually he became the Director of Public Works for the city of Arcata. The position he held until his retirement in 1993. He helped the city and surrounding area with many beneficial projects, drawing knowledge from local businesses and schools to make them dynamic. One of those projects was the Arcata Marsh. The last pond in this reclamation project bears the name of Franklin R. Klopp Lake. He was very proud and honored to have the lake named for him.

Franklin had a huge love of the wild outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and he could cook what he caught. One of his more famous, were the “Klopp burgers” (deep-fried Abalone) which he cooked on an open fire in a huge cast iron frypan at the Memorial Day Weekend camp out at West Port, California. As a volunteer fireman for the Arcata Fire Dept. his favorite place in the firehouse was the kitchen where he helped prepare many dinners for fellow firemen and their families. He shared his bounty with family and friends; crab from Humboldt Bay, fish from many trips to Crescent City and wild turkey and pheasant from various hunting grounds.

His love of travel took the Klopp family on trips in a Ford van across the United States. During the trips they camped and visited many National Parks. In later life, he and partner Edith visited Spain and Portugal where he marveled at the architecture and wonderful foreign wine.

Franklin was pre-deceased by parents, Irwin and Verna; his wife Joan and daughter Sharon; his sister Raine and brother Butch; his teacher and mentor Uncle Homer “Whitey” Reichenbach.

Franklin is survived by son Jeff Klopp (Sharla) and their sons, Jackson (Michelle) and Jordan (Lauren); his daughter Karen Steinbach and her sons Sam and Max; nieces Wanda Welbourne (Gary), Maille Baron (Joe) and Louise Laurendeau. He is also survived by his partner of ten years, Edith Stromberg-Wall.

Franklin’s loved ones would like to thank his care givers and especially Hospice of Humboldt.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice of Humboldt or the charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at the Lutheran Church of Arcata, 151 E. 16th St., Arcata at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2024.

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