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MAIN INDEX CLASS OF 1974 CLASS MEMORIES REUNION INFO

 
   
Name: Terri Michele Klopfenstein Wait
Spouse: Jerome Hershal Wait M.D.
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DECEASED 2023,
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Email Address
Personal Website

Class of

1974 Attended from through

Graduated Here?

Yes   

If graduated elsewhere, graduated from:

College Attended:

     
Birthdate: April 22, 1956   
Date of Death: March 1, 2023  
       

Current Occupation:

 

Notes:

Terri Michele Wait, 66, and her husband of 44 years, Dr. Jerome Hershal Wait, 95, a prominent retired Whitley County physician, of Columbia City, died tragically during a traffic accident when a semi-truck rear-ended their vehicle as they were stopped for at a traffic light on US 30 west of Columbia City. Terri died at the scene on Wednesday afternoon, March 1, 2023, and Jerome succumbed to his injuries at Parkview Regional Medical Center on Thursday morning, March 2, 2023.

Terri Michele Klopfenstein was born to Richard A. and Ruth (Geyer) Klopfenstein on April 22, 1956, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Growing up in Columbia City, she graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1974. She married John Simcoe and had two children.

In the late 1970s, Terri and Jerome met and began dating. The couple wed on January 26, 1979. Embarking on their life-long journey together, the couple honeymooned in Rio de Janeiro, where Jerome also attended a medical conference.

Terri's passions were volunteering at the Humane Society of Whitley County and giving to underprivileged children. Most recently, she worked at Claywood Creations, where she made intricate wood sculptures and art designs.

Jerome continued his family practice until 1990 and as an anesthesiologist until 1995. The couple enjoyed their country home, maintaining the property, tending the flowerbeds, and making crafts. They loved to escape to their secluded cabin outside Cody, WY. With his sense of curiosity, Jerome was often able to access areas not typically open to the public.

Devout Catholics, they were members of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Fort Wayne. Jerome was also a Columbia City Lions Club member and was responsible for their eye bank program.

In their senior years, the couple regularly visited nursing homes and senior living facilities, visiting friends, former patients, and work colleagues. They were regulars at the Columbia City McDonald's seniors’ group and the first Tuesday Nurse's breakfast. Often, they would visit a restaurant near the new car showrooms to catch a glimpse of a newly released model, but mostly, Jerome liked watching people, keeping his diagnostic skills sharp. He kept pace with newly released medical drugs and their efficacy.

Surviving children are Dr. Calvert Bryan Wait, Karen Marie (Michael) Cook, Mark Allen Wait, Shawn David (Teresa) Wait, Adam R. (Aggie) Simcoe, Nikki Rene (David) Buckley; Terri's mother, Ruth J. Klopfenstein; Terri's sister, Judi Dunn; grandchildren, Jeremy Cook, Benjamin Cook, Tara Richeson, Alyssa Wait, Justin Wait, Megan Thomas, Silas Wait, Chelsea Wait, John Wait, Michelle Paul, Courtney Gilbert, Logan Wait, Sarah Buckley, Ava Simcoe, Natalie Simcoe, Grace Simcoe; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Terri was preceded in death by her father, Richard Klopfenstein, and Jerome by brothers, Edward, Donald, and Roger Wait; and a sister, Geraldine E. Wait.

A Mass of Christian Burial with be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 1105 Calhoun St, Fort Wayne. The interment is at the Catholic Cemetery in Columbia City. Visitation is from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, and one hour before the cathedral mass.

To honor Jerome & Terri's life – they request that you plant a tree or give to the Humane Society of Whitley County.

For more on her husband, view the full obituary at: https://www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com/obituary/jerome-and-terri-wait
 
Last Updated: 03-06-2023 Alumni ID: 16790
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