Rudy Ropp
Rudolph J. Ropp
June 18th, 1943 – June 5th, 2025
*Author’s Note: The following excerpts in our “Life Stories” are from the Celebration of Life service for Rudolph J. “Rudy” Ropp for you to read, reflect, and pay your respects privately. It was an honor to help Rudy’s family pay tribute to his wonderful life. The special service included military honors, a military escort in the procession, and endearing sentiments shared by Rudy’s cousin, granddaughter, and sons. Rudy will be dearly missed by many.
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We gather here today with broken hearts because Rudy is no longer a physical presence in our lives. We have a powerful sense of loss. Where we are experiencing his loss- a missing piece- Rudy is experiencing completeness- wholeness. May you know in your hearts that Rudy’s journey is complete, he is home now in the loving embrace of our Lord in heaven. He is reunited with the many loved ones he had been missing including his parents, Mel and Doris, and his brothers, Jerry and Larry. He is surrounded by love.
And while the broken pieces of your heart will never quite be the same, know that Rudy would not want your heart to be troubled. May you find comfort in sweet memories, may you find peace in the ways you find him to still be a part of your present, and may you find hope in being reunited with him some day in the kingdom of God.
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Rudy made a big impact on this community. He spent his lifetime in Kenosha, and he touched the lives of many with his community spirit and efforts.
As a schoolboy, he met Catherine at the Dutch Maid on Roosevelt Road. Years later, their paths crossed again at Bradford High School, and their love story began. On May 9th, 1964, at St. George Church in Kenosha, Rudy and Catherine were united in marriage. They welcomed two sons into the world and enjoyed family life. For 61 years, they truly had a happy, wonderful life together.
Rudy ran and operated two local service stations in Kenosha. He also worked at Chrysler Automotive and Carpetland USA. He had a long and successful career dedicated to his various occupations.
Rudy was a loving husband, a great father, and a wonderful grandpa. He was a hard-working family man. He loved his family with his heart and soul, and his life was defined by his warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication to those he loved. He was compassionate, generous, and always willing to lend a helping hand. He loved to make others happy, and, with his infectious laughter, he was always the life of the party. He was a trusted friend, a confidante, and a guiding light.
Rudy loved gardening and landscaping. He took great pride in the immaculate appearance of his lawn and won an award for nicest looking home and yard. An avid Brewers and Packers fan, Rudy passed along his love for these teams to his sons, bringing them to many fun and memorable games. Rudy adored his wife, Catherine, and spending time with her. Sharing his hobbies of camping and bowling with the love of his life brought him immense joy.
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It does feel like Rudy’s 81 years went by way too quickly. While no length of time with our loved ones will ever seem long enough, know that it was an absolute blessing to have had Rudy present on this earth for over 8 decades. His time here and his time spent with each of you was a precious gift. When your world is feeling a little too empty, may you fill it with gratitude that your time here overlapped with Rudy’s and that you were blessed to know him.
I invite you to share the memories, share the love today and in the days and years to come so that Rudy’s legacy may endure. Embrace and share with others his qualities that you love and miss so much. Spend time with your family, cheer on the Brewers, lend a helping hand, listen without judgment, and remember Rudy.
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From 1962 to 1965, Rudy bravely served in the U.S. Army. As a Private First Class, Rudy served on security duty guarding U.S.-based missile silos during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Rudy earned a Good Conduct Medal, a Basic Missileman Badge (which was only awarded during that era and has since changed names), and a Sharpshooter Badge. One definition of a Veteran, whether active duty, discharged, retired or reserve, is- someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to “The United States of America” for an amount of “up to, and including his/her life.” That is what Rudy did. That is honor. That is a soldier.
“What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others remains immortal.” – Albert Pike
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Rudy will be forever loved and missed by his dear wife, Catherine, his sons, Ken and Darrin, his daughters-in-law, Diane and Julie, his two grandchildren, and many other dear family members and friends.
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Rudy, may you rest in eternal peace knowing you are dearly loved.
My sincere condolences and love, Holly