Rev. George H. Klinefelter, former pastor of Emmanuel United Church of Christ, Bluffton, died on Friday, Dec. 21, at the home of his son, Philip.

Born Jan 27, 1919, in Zelienople, Pa., he graduated from Heidelberg College, Tiffin, Ohio in 1940 where he met his future wife Josephine Niswander. After he graduated from Lancaster Theological Seminary, Lancaster, Pa. in 1943 they were married. They went on to serve in Mechanicsburg and Northampton, Pa., from 1943-1957. Then in Middletown, Md., from 1957 to 1972, Wooster, Ohio, from 1972-1978. 

After serving at Emanuel United Church of Christ, Bluffton, Ohio from 1978-1988 he retired from full time ministry. 

Over the years he had been active on various committees of Associations and conferences.  He also held offices in Rotary and Lions Clubs and Fire companies in the communities that he served.

A celebration of life service will be held at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 7605 Pleasant Home Road, Smithville, Ohio, at 7 p.m. on Friday Dec. 28, 2012. Visitation is one hour prior to the services. 

A committal service will be held At Emanuel United Church of Christ, 8375 Phillips Road, Bluffton, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 29.  Burial will take place in Maple Grove Cemetery, Bluffton.  Matteson Funeral Home is handling the  arrangements. 

Online obituary and condolences may be shared at the funeral home website @mattesonfh.com.
   
The surviving family includes a son Philip and Elizabeth of West Salem, son-in-law- Bill Hyatt of Middletown, Ohio, and a daughter-in-law Jeanette Bates of Indianapolis, Ind.

Also surviving are eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Memorials may be made in Rev. Klinefelter's name to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greater Wayne County, 2525 Back Orrville Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691.

Rev. Klinefelter was preceded in death by  two sisters, a brother, his son Gregory, daughter Mary Jo, and his wife, Josephine of nearly 66 years.