Ronald J. “Ron” Soppe, age 80, of Graf, IA, completed his earthly journey on May 31, 2023, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Ron’s life, his Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2023, from 1:30-4:30 p.m., at the Reiff Event Center, 894 Peosta Street, Peosta, IA.  Burial will be in the Lattnerville Cemetery in Graf, IA.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Ron’s family.

Ron was born on June 17, 1942, in Hanover, Illinois, a son to Florian and Helen (Remke) Soppe.  His family eventually made their way to the Bankston area where Ron grew up and planned to raise a family of his own one day.  He met Kathleen “Kathy” Smith in time and the two were united in marriage on July 2, 1966, beginning their life together and were soon blessed with eight children of their own.  Ron provided for his family as a milk route driver from 1966-1974 with Charlie Denlinger.  Then from 1974-1978 he built houses with Tom Gloeckner.  Finally, Ron went to work for his brother at Dubuqueland Overhead Door Company until his eventual retirement in 2005.  Ron did his best to keep life uncomplicated and made sure that the simple pleasures in life were in abundance and that everyone he loved and cared for knew that he was there for them.  Ron always enjoyed sitting around the card table with family and friends for a friendly game of euchre or dominos, but he was also content to enjoy a good meal, grab a cold beer and find the comfy spot in the recliner with his favorite western for the day on the tv.  He appreciated the moments in life where even the birds gathered around the feeder could be the highlight of any given day.  Ron was a good and decent man who leaves behind a legacy which will be visibly on display within the lives of his generations for follow for years to come.  We will miss straight shooting attitude and ability to laugh when the time was right.  Thank you, Ron, for being the patriarch for so many years and may the Lord keep you safe and secure in His loving arms until we all meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Ron include,

his bride of 56 years,

Kathy Soppe, Graf, IA;

his seven children,

Kevin (Juanita) Soppe, Sherrill, IA,

Laurie (Dan) Steffens, Sherrill, IA,

Cory (Lisa) Soppe, Sherrill, IA,

Lisa (Carl) Hermsen, Earlville, IA,

Tracey Soppe, Peosta, IA,

Ryan (Jessica) Soppe, Peosta, IA,

and Rick (Alicia) Soppe, Graf, IA;

his daughter-in-law,

Amy Soppe, Peosta, IA;

his twenty grandchildren;

his seven great-grandchildren, with one on the way;

his siblings,

Dan (Ruth) Soppe,

Judy (Jim) Naber,

and Dennis (Kathy) Soppe;

his brothers and sisters-in-law,

Barb Soppe,

Karen (Dave) Mahe,

Phyllis (Eldon) Bowers,

Phillip Smith,

and Wendy (Rusty) Knight;

his mother-in-law,

Mary (McCarthy) Smith;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Todd Soppe; his brother, Gary Soppe; his sisters-in-law, Alice Soppe, and Sandy Smith; and his father-in-law, Arvel Smith.

Ron’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque, especially Kourtney and Morgan, for all of their professional and compassionate care during this difficult time.  Your gentleness and patience truly helped to bring a little peace to our hearts and minds when needed most.

Online condolences may be shared with Ron’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com