Thomas J. Popa
Died March 2, 2014
CEDAR – Thomas
Joseph Popa, 80, of Cedar passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2014 at Munson
Medical Center, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Tommy
was born Feb. 12, 1934 on the family farm just outside Cedar, the tenth child
of Thomas and Catherine (Novak) Popa. On
June 15, 1963 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church of Gills Pier, he married Ruth
Ann Korson, his wife of 50 years.
Tommy
completed his high school education at Holy Rosary School, and enjoyed playing
baseball in the local league. He
explored a bit of Europe while serving as a paratrooper in the Army. He returned to Leelanau County to farm the
family homestead, and also worked full-time as a machinist at Traverse City
Iron Works. He was an active member of
Holy Rosary Parish and shared his love of singing as a member of the church
choir.
Tommy
treasured the land he was born and raised on.
He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting (particularly bow
and rifle), and proudly bagged one last deer this past hunting season. He tended the land as a life-long farmer,
baling hay even through his final years. He was named Leelanau Conservationist
of the Year in 2002. Spending time with
his children and grandchildren was important to Tommy. The family gathered for a reunion and the
couple's 50th wedding anniversary this summer.
He and Ruthie recently returned from their annual visit to see their
daughters and their families in California and Minnesota. When Tommy wasn't
hunting or fishing, his hobbies included tackling projects around the farm,
serving as jack of all trades at Bel Lago Vineyards, collecting tractors at
area auctions, and playing euchre.
Tommy
is survived by his wife, Ruthie; his children, Mindy (Steve) Scherr of San Juan
Bautista, CA; Brenda (Tim) Nicol of Woodbury, MN; Alan Popa of Valencia, Spain;
Marcia Popa of Edina, MN; Roger (Bubba) Popa of Traverse City; eight
grandchildren; his siblings Leonard (Betty) Popa, Alice McNeil, Katherine
(Louie) Stachnik, Julie (Joe) McAuliffe; his brothers in-law Joe Brzezinski and
Don Herman; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was
preceded in death by his siblings and in-laws, Agnes Brzezinski, Irene
(Stanley) Walters, Gertrude (Meda) Lamie, Mary Popa, Harry (Barbara) Popa,
Teresa Herman, Rose Marie (Ralph) Couturier, Larry McNeil and Teddie Popa.
The family will greet friends on Friday, April 25 from 5 pm through the 7 pm Rosary at Holy Rosary Church. The funeral service will be held Saturday, April 26 at 11 am also at Holy Rosary Church. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Father Donald Libby will serve as celebrant.
Mass
intentions for Tommy may be made at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Memorials may be sent to Holy Rosary Catholic
Church or The Father Fred Foundation.
Arrangements
are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay; please share memories with
Tommy’s family online at www.martinson.info.
Our most sincere condolences to Ruthie and the Popa family on the loss of your dear Tommy. Life will never be the same for you, but you can take comfort in knowing that Tommy lived a good, productive, faith-filled life, and is now enjoying his reward. He and Ruthie were blessed with five wonderful and accomplished children, and eight special grandkids. Tommy was a mainstay at Holy Rosary Parish, and contributed in many ways, especially with his gifted voice in the choir. His love of the outdoors was evident in his lifelong choices of farming and sporting adventures. It was great that he and Ruthie could enjoy many trips to visit the away families, and to celebrate a memorable time together so recently in the family reunion/50th wedding!
ReplyDeleteMay Tommy now rest in peace with our Lord in the Great Hunting Grounds in the Sky! Be assured that he, and all of you, will be in our continued thoughts and prayers.
Love and blessings,
Judy and Glenn
Rest in Peace, Uncle Tommy.
ReplyDeleteUncle Tommy,I'll always remember your ever friendly hello & your never quit work ethic.The trips out of state deer hunting were WONDERFUL times.And of course the hunting on the family farm. You'll always be remembered.Love,Tom Mcneil
ReplyDeleteAunt Ruthie & Family,So sorry to hear of Uncle Tommy's passing.He was such a nice man.He always had an interesting tale to tell.He LOVED the farm he was born on.Was certainly a man of the GREAT outdoors.He will be missed by many.Take care.You're in our thoughts & prayers at this difficult time.Love,Christi (McNeil) & Jack Olman & Family
ReplyDelete