Obituary: Gerald Eugene “Jerry” Popp

Gerald Eugene “Jerry” Popp, age 82, of Brillion, passed away peacefully and was called to heaven on April 2, 2022. Through the entire time of his illness, he did not lose his sense of humor and continued to be “Jerry”, even to the last day.

Jerry was born on October 15, 1939 in the Town of Rantoul to Lester and Beatrice (Enneper) Popp. Starting at the age of 14, he began helping haul milk cans for Lau’s Cheese Factory. Jerry continued this work until he graduated from Brillion High School in 1957 and then joined the National Reserves. He was honorably discharged from the reserves due to a family illness. When he returned to Brillion, he continued to work for Lau Cheese Factory and he had the opportunity to pick up milk at the Riemer Farms. During this time of employment, he met the love of his life, Dianna. He told his best friend, Alex “Hans” Lau, “Some day I will marry her.” On April 11, 1959, he indeed married his love, Dianna Riemer. During their lifetime, they owned and operated Pleasant View Dairy Farm. They were blessed with four sons who helped build the farm and continued the operation. This operation went on for 43 years before they sold the farm in 2002 and then retired.

Jerry is survived by the love of his life: Dianna. They would have celebrated 63 years of marriage this year. He is also survived by four sons: Ken (Beth) Popp, Mark (Lori) Popp, Russell Popp and his special friend, Kathy, Jason (Jennifer) Popp; his sister: Audrey Gruett, nee Popp; a sister-in-law: Geraldine Lemke, nee Riemer; a brother-in-law: Donald (Doris) Riemer; and a sister-in-law: Jackie (Larry) Wunrow. He was blessed with thirteen grandchildren who brought so much joy to his life: Hunter Popp and his special friend, Abby, Cheyenne (Caleb) Saunders, Amanda (Seth) Kabat, Nicole (Kyle) DeBroux Hrudka, Andy (Tori) Popp, Robert (Allissa) Popp, Marcy (Brandon) Schoen, Sam, Emilie and her special friend, Griffin, Ellie and her special friend, Tanner, Karissa, Brianna and her special friend, Austin. Along with the blessing of grandchildren, he was further blessed with thirteen great grandchildren, which brought even more smiles and laughter to Jerry. His great grandchildren are Matthew’s daughter, McKayleigh, Elsa, Lucy, Matthew, Eleanor and baby Kabat, Vince DeBroux, Evan, Henry & Owen Hrudka, Adley, Reed & Laney Schoen and Ruby Saunders. Jerry is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents: Lester & Beatrice Popp; his step-father: Robert Behnke; his in-laws: Melvin & Dora Riemer; brothers-in-law: Harland Gruett, Donald Lemke, Ronald Riemer, Dennis Riemer; a sister-in-law: Sharon Riemer; daughter-in-law: Becky Popp, nee Quandt; a grandson: Matthew Popp; and a grandson-in-law: Steven DeBroux.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Friday, April 8, 2022 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Rantoul (N6080 W. River Road Hilbert, WI 54129) with Rev. Brett Simek officiating. Burial will follow in the Parish Cemetery. Friends may call at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, April 7, 2022 and on Friday at the church from 9:00 am until 10:45 am. Those wishing to watch a live stream or archived recording of the service may do so by visiting wietingfuneralhome.com and follow the links.

Jerry’s family would like to thank all of the staff at West Haven for the wonderful care that was given to Jerry and his family. They also want to thank the kitchen staff who provided the “Cookie Monster” with all of his cookies. Thank you also to the staff of Heartland Hospice for their support and care over the past months.