Final Salute

RICHARD “DUKE” ROPP JR., 76, of Columbia City, Ind., passed away on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022. Born April 25, 1946, in Seattle, Wash., he was the son of Richard and Eleanor (Lessner) Ropp. Duke attended Columbia City High School and graduated with the Class of 1964. He then proudly served his country as a United States Navy SeaBee. On Nov. 18, 1967, he married Rita Hinen at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Arcola. Duke started his working career on the railroad with Penn Central and later with Conrail. He also worked in construction and farming, and was the Operations Manager for Glenbrook Square Mall. Duke was a member of American Legion Post 98 and V.F.W. Post 5582, Columbia City. He also enjoyed fishing and making wine in his free time. Survivors include his wife, Rita of Columbia City; children, Jon (Dawn) Ropp of Carmel, Ind., Cheri (Tom Boivin) Ropp of Evansville, Wis., and Jay (Krissy) Ropp of Larwill; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and siblings, Joy (Mike) Lee of Garland, Texas, and Daniel (Melanie) Ropp of Reno, Nev. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Cleo and Doris Ropp; parents, Richard and Eleanor Ropp; half sister, Karen Keller; aunt, Jean Ferrell; uncle, Robert Ropp; and special dog, Bailie. Funeral service is 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, at the funeral home. Burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne at a later date. Memorial contributions in memory of Duke may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To send family condolences or sign the online guest register, visit www.demoneygrimes.com

Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Oct. 19, 2022.