Ronald Kopp

Ronald W Kopp passed away on Monday, August 30, 2021 at Agrace Hospice and Memory Care in Fitchburg.  He was born April 5, 1948 in Galesville, Wisconsin to Russell and Katherine (Hardie) Kopp.  Ron graduated from Gale-Ettrick in 1966.  He graduated from UW-Stout with a degree in automotive education.  Ron began his automotive career managing stores for Crown Auto.  He asked for and got the first store they opened in Wisconsin at Wausau.  He later worked for Rosemurgy Toyota and then Brickner’s Park City in Merrill, both as part managers.

Ron met his future wife, Pam Rouzer at Stout and they married on May 30, 1975 in Minneapolis.  Ron shared his love of cars and curling with Pam and they were members of the Wausau Curling Club for over thirty years.  Ron served as president, worked on the ice committee, sold curling supplies, created a rookie league, set up curling on the 400 Block for novice curlers and worked for learn-to-curl events.  He loved sharing the sport with others.  Ron enjoyed the competition but was most proud of the camaraderie and lifelong friendships.  He was fortunate to have achieved an 8-end and to participate successfully in many bonspiels and Badger State Games.  Pam also shared her love of gardening and travel with Ron.  Their flower garden was “garden of the month” partially due to the arbors, fences, fish pond and garden beds Ron built.  Travel to watch family in competitive curling events lead to visiting many US cities as well as Europe, especially Switzerland.  China was a once in a lifetime adventure.

Upon retirement Ron and Pam moved to Asheville, North Carolina.  However Ron was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease there and it led to a move back to Wisconsin to be closer to family.

Ron is survived by his wife, Pam; sisters, Janet (Carl) Oksnee, Florence, WI, Diane (Steve) Brown, Monona, WI, and Linda (Chuck Van Epps) Kopp, Walsenburg, CO; sister-in-law, Shirley Kopp, Poynette, WI; brothers-in-law, Doug (Sue) Rouzer, Tom (Cindy) Rouzer, Tim (Brenda) Rouzer and Mark Rouzer, all of Cumberland, WI; as well as many nieces and nephews, great nephews, cousins, aunts and special life-long friends, Doug and Cindy Zastrow of Wausau.  Ron was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Kenneth; and his sister-in-law, Cheryl Rouzer.

Ron requested a private celebration of life with his ashes to be spread at a later date.  Memorials may be made to the Wausau Curling Club, PO Box 627, Wausau, Wi. 54402, to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice.  Please share your memories of Ron by posting on his Tribute Wall.

Cress Funeral Service

206 W. Prospect Street, PO Box 231, Stoughton

608-873-9244