Anola May Popp, age 84, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Columbus, WI on Monday, August 19, 2024. She was born May 15, 1940 to Alfred and Doris (Hoitomt) Wyss in Boyceville, WI. She grew up in the Northwoods with her beloved older brother, Lionel, and cousin Helen Riggio, who was like a sister to her.

Anola graduated from Menomonie High School and UW Madison with a degree in social work.  She met the young John Popp on campus, and they married in Madison on January 30, 1963.  They soon became a family of four with the arrival of sons Derek and Mark. Anola made a home for them where ever they went for John's work…Madison, Milwaukee, Shawano, Ashwaubenon, and finally Middleton. Anola worked 21 years for the State of WI Department of Daycare Regulation. Nearing retirement, Anola and John moved to a home on the shore of Fox Lake. There they enjoyed the peace and beauty of the lake, and welcomed frequent visits from their sons and grandchildren. The past nine years Anola and John lived in Columbus. Anola was active with Faith Lutheran Church until Covid, and later Anola's progressing dementia, took away her independence.

As a young woman, Anola mastered the art of letter writing to keep in touch with her brother, Lionel, as he moved across the country. She was a gifted seamstress and shared her talents quilting with the ladies at church. Anola and John were truly each other's best friend. Together they enjoyed sailing and boating, cross country skiing, biking, meeting up with friends at the YMCA, and traveling. For many years they had season Packer tickets, and later season Badger football tickets. Anola and John were proud to be UW Madison Alumni. They enjoyed trips with the WI Alumni Association, their most memorable being a Mediterranean cruise in 2013.

Anola is survived by her husband, John, sons Mark (Deb) of Marshall and Derek (Peggy) of Mt. Horeb. Four grandchildren Kyle (Brenda) Popp, Dylan Popp, Alex (Nikki) Popp, and Mariah (Joe) Sausen, three bonus grandchildren Angie King, Megan Christiansen, and Derek Woelffer, and three great grandchildren. She is also survived by her cousin, Helen Riggio, of North Carolina.  Anola was preceded in death by her parents and brother.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024, 11:00 am at Jensen Funeral & Cremation, 248 Ludington St., Columbus.  A visitation will begin at 10:00 am, and a luncheon will follow the service.  Memorials may be directed to Faith Lutheran Church, 120 Faith Drive, Columbus.

Anola's sons have deep admiration and appreciation for their father, John, who patiently and lovingly cared for their mother these past few years.  Alzheimer's is a relentless and unforgiving disease that robs us of our loved ones.  Those that care for them everywhere are courageous, unsung heroes that deserve to be recognized and thanked.

We encourage you to share your online condolences with Anola's family at jensenfuneralandcremation.com