William “Bill” J. Popp

William “Bill” J. Popp age 90, of Platteville, died on Friday, February 22, 2008 at Southwest Health Center Nursing Home in Cuba City. Bill was born on September 20, 1917 in rural Belmont, Lafayette County, the son of William C. and Clara (Gehrke) Popp. He married Maxine Duncan on November 30, 1945 at Peace Lutheran Church in Belmont. Together they farmed in rural Belmont for seven years before moving to Platteville and co-owned and operated City Market for two years. Bill then drove milk truck for Dean Milk Company. He also worked for Dick’s, Scott’s Service Station, and built houses and did carpentry work with Bob Bockhop before retiring from Pioneer Ford.

Bill was an avid fisherman, liked crafts and carpentry work and latch hooking. He also loved to go dancing with Maxine. He volunteered for the Boy Scouts as a Troop Leader at Lutheran Church of Peace, coached his son in summer baseball and was a member of the Elks Lodge. Bill is survived by his wife of 62 years, Maxine Popp, Platteville; his son, Larry “Fizz” (Ellen) Popp, Platteville; two grandchildren, Stephanie (Troy) Kerkenbush, Platteville and Bryan (Shannon) Popp, Mount Horeb; three great-granddaughters, Presley and Paige Kerkenbush and Addyson Popp; his sister, Helen Buss, Belmont and his sister-in-law, Joyce Bridges, Tucson, AZ.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Linda Jean and a sister, Esther Popp. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 25, 2008 at Lutheran Church of Peace in Platteville with the Reverend Jeff Pederson officiating. Burial will be held in Belmont Cemetery, Belmont. Family and friends are welcome from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 24 at Martin Schwartz Funeral Home in Platteville and from 10:00 a.m. until time of services Monday at the church.

In lieu of flowers and plants a William J. Popp Memorial Fund has been established. Bill’s family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Southwest Health Center Nursing Home in Cuba City for their dedication and compassion in caring for Bill these past four plus years.