John A. Popp, age 88, passed away on June 5, 2026 at Home Again Assisted Living in Columbus, WI.  John was born December 9, 1937 to Arthur and Dorothy (Ludolph) Popp in Shawano, WI.  After his biological father left the family when John was a young boy, John's mother later married George H. Roth, who became a father to John in every sense of the word.  He also gained two half siblings, William and Margaret.

John grew up in Shawano and graduated from Shawano High School.  He followed in his step father's footsteps and joined the US Army, spending most of his time stationed in Germany.  A fun fact John liked to share was that, for a short time, he was on the same base, at the same time, as Elvis Presley!  After discharge John earned a degree from UW Madison.  This was where John met a very beautiful Anola Wyss by chance, after she answered the door when her roommate stood John up.  They married in Madison on January 30, 1963, and soon became a family of four with the arrival of sons Derek and Mark.  They were a close-knit family, moving frequently for John's work…Madison, Milwaukee, Shawano, Ashwaubenon, and finally Middleton. He worked for various insurance companies; and was well known and respected for everything he did…from sales to management to teaching.  John could carry a lively and interesting conversation with anyone, about anything.  He taught his boys to hunt, fish, cross country ski, and sail.  He was their Boy Scout leader.  He gave back to his community, serving as a Jaycee in Shawano and on church council at Faith Lutheran in Columbus.

John and Anola were truly each other's best friend.  They remained avid Badger fans for life and were proud to be alumni.  They followed UW sports and traveled with the Alumni Association.  Together they enjoyed sailing and boating, cross country skiing, biking, and meeting friends at the YMCA.  Any time spent with their sons and grandchildren was special.  Nearing retirement, John and Anola moved to a home on the shore of Fox Lake.  They enjoyed the beauty of the lake, plentiful fishing for John, and frequent visits from family.  Their final home in Columbus is where a stray orange kitty came to their door and never left.  Appropriately named, Ginger was a wonderful companion for Anola, and for John after Anola passed away.  When dementia robbed us of Anola the last several years of her life, it was John who patiently and lovingly cared for her day in and day out, until her passing in 2024.  Derek and Mark have deep admiration and appreciation for their father's dedicated care of their mother.

John is survived by his sons Derek (Peggy) of Mt. Horeb and Mark (Deb) of Marshall.  Four grandchildren Alex (Nikki) Popp, Mariah (Joe Sausen) Popp, Kyle (Brenda) Popp, and Dylan Popp, three bonus grandchildren Angie King, Megan Christiansen, and Derek Woelffer, and four great grandchildren.  Additionally, he is survived by half-brother William Roth and niece Nicole Sasse.  John was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and half-sister Margaret Larsen.

A private Celebration of Life and burial will be held.  The family would like to thank the Home Again staff and residents for welcoming John into their community for the past 6 months.  Also, many thanks to the entire Generations Hospice team for the compassion and care they showed to John and to us.

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