John A. Kopp
Age 91, passed away December 27, 2013 in Jacksonville, FL. John was born in Greenford, Ohio August 29, 1922 to Lewis and Harriet (Kyte) Kopp. He graduated from South High in Youngstown, Ohio and Case Western Reserve with a master's degree in Education. After graduation, he enlisted in the army and served in Korea during World War II. After the war he became a high school math teacher and superintendent of schools in Williamsfield, Ohio. In 1952, he returned to work in the family business, The Kopp Clay Company in Malvern, Ohio. Living in Minerva, Ohio he was very active in the community. He served on the Minerva Board of Education for 14 years and initiated the building of the present high school. A member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church he served as Treasurer, was on the church council and building committee, taught Sunday School and was an advisor of the church youth group. He founded and ran the Lion's Den dances for high school students after football and basketball games for many years. He was owner and operator of Chestnut Grove Park at Geneva on the Lake. Upon retirement he started volunteering at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in the gift shop as cashier and later served as Treasurer and President of the Volunteer Auxiliary. Thirteen years ago, he relocated to Jacksonville, FL to spend time with his grandson and be a part of his daily life. In Jacksonville, he volunteered at the Mayo Clinic and worked in St. Vincent's gift shop and as a liaison between the staff and families of patients in the Critical Care Unit. He was St. Vincent's Volunteer of the Year in 2007 and was recently honored for logging over 31,000 volunteer hours. An important part of his life was his love of travel having traveled all over the world. His hobbies included rug hooking, playing cards and live theater.
He is survived by three daughters, Meg Walters and husband Jonathan Walters of Malvern, Ohio, Amy Purdy of Thatcher, Arizona, and Marme Kopp and husband Mike Nolan of Jacksonville, Florida, one grandson, Gannon Nolan of Jacksonville and one step-grandson, Patrick Nolan of Nashville, Tennessee, several nieces and nephews. Also survived by exchange student daughter Kaisa Riski and her family of Helsinki, Finland. Preceded in death by two brothers Richard and Philip Kopp.
A memorial service will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Stephen Woyen officiating. Interment will be immediately following the service at East Lawn Cemetery with full military services. A celebration of his life will be held following the service at Glenmoor Country Club in Canton, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Vincent's Healthcare Foundation, 1 Shircliff Way, Jacksonville, FL 32204. Those wishing to send condolences may sign the online register at www.gotschallfuneralhome.com.
Gotschall-Hutchison
330-868-4900