Kopps, Dennis Leroy

Dennis Leroy Kopps, age 79, passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior on September 25, 2024, surrounded by family and caregivers at the Hebron Oaks Nursing and Rehab Center. Dennis was born on March 24, 1945, in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, to Francis Raymond Kopps and Ardyth June (Dyer) Kopps. He attended Blanchardville schools and then went to work with his father and grandfather at Kopps Machine Shop in Blanchardville, where he developed skills in disassembly and reassembly of many farm implements, even tractor motors.

Shortly after his father passed away in 1974, Dennis began working at Zim's Cheese helping in production setup, sanitation, and production. He was always dependable in monitoring the temperatures of the vats, stirring the curd and transferring it to the finishing tables, always dedicated to every task.

In 1979, Dennis moved with his mother back to Dodgeville. He held various part-time jobs in Dodgeville during which he became well-known in the community. His favorite was unloading the weekly delivery for the True Value hardware store. After the closing of the hardware store, Dennis began mowing lawns for many neighbors, at times mowing as many as eight lawns in a week. Many remember seeing him pushing his mower with one hand from lawn to lawn, carrying his gas can in the other hand.

Dennis was a regular visitor to many of the downtown Dodgeville businesses as he made his rounds – the barbershops, video store, antique shop, and the old Corner Drug, where it was usually two cups of coffee, often followed by a diet root beer or Pepsi. In later years when the drug store had moved, he enjoyed his diet Pepsis at Dino's, where he was greeted – Dennis!!! – like the character Norm in the old TV show "Cheers." He made regular visits to the BMO bank to get rolls of shiny new pennies – old pennies were for saving, shiny pennies for spending. He rarely missed the featured movies at the Dodge theater.

There was nothing, other than being with people, that Dennis loved more than a good meal, and he was always interested to know what you had to eat, as well. Two common questions he asked were "What did you have to eat?" or "What are you going to eat?" In recent years he loved coloring pictures and giving them away to everyone he met.

He won several medals while participating in Special Olympics track and field events and later in bowling. He loved collecting matchbox cars and diecast cars and trucks and watching NASCAR races and Packer games. He made new friends everywhere he went, and new acquaintances would often remark that he "lit up the room!" It was hard to find someone who didn't enjoy being with Dennis, and he in return liked everyone and treated everyone the same. His innocent demeanor was refreshing and uncommon. Though not possessing a sophisticated theology, he did possess a rock-solid faith in Jesus that strengthened him in the physical trials of his last days.

Dennis is survived by his three sisters, Sharon (Richard) Schober, Vicki (David Barnes) Rabe, and Kathy (Larry) Alm; several nieces and nephews; and countless dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held at Faith Fellowship Church, Dodgeville, on Friday, October 4, 2024, from 9:00 am until 10:45 am. A celebration of life will begin at 11:00 am. A graveside service will occur at Graceland Cemetery in Blanchardville. The Lulloff-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home, Dodgeville is assisting the family with their arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.houckfuneralhomes.com

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the staff of Hebron Oaks and the Oakwood Preferred Hospice team for the tender and compassionate care they provided for Dennis. He spread his joy there just as he always has wherever he was. Also thank you to Pastor Fred Schmitt for his visits to Dennis and his spiritual support during Dennis' time in hospice.

Dennis asked that memorial gifts be used to help children who are fighting cancer. They can be sent directly to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or through the family.

Lulloff-Peterson-Houck 

Funeral Home

Dodgeville • 608-935-3628

www.houckfuneralhomes.com