Richard "Duke" Ropp, Jr.

Richard “Duke” Ropp, Jr., age 76, of Columbia City, IN, passed away on Sunday October 16, 2022.  Born on April 25, 1946, in Seattle, WA, he was the son of Richard and Eleanor (Lessner) Ropp.

Duke attended Columbia City High School and graduated with the Class of 1964.  He then proudly served his country as a United States Navy SeaBee.  On November 18, 1967, he married Rita Hinen at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Arcola.

Duke started his working career on the railroad with Penn Central and later with Conrail.  He also worked in construction and farming, and was the Operations Manager for Glenbrook Square Mall.  Duke was a member of American Legion Post #98 and VFW Post #5582, Columbia City.  He also enjoyed fishing and making wine in his free time.

Survivors include his wife Rita of Columbia City; children Jon (Dawn) Ropp of Carmel, IN, Cheri (Tom Boivin) Ropp of Evansville, WI, and Jay (Krissy) Ropp of Larwill; 10 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; siblings Joy (Mike) Lee of Garland, TX and Daniel (Melanie) Ropp of Reno, NV.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Cleo and Doris Ropp, parents Richard and Eleanor Ropp, half-sister Karen Keller, Aunt Jean Ferrell, Uncle Robert Ropp, and special dog Bailie.

Friends may call on Thursday October 20, 2022, from 2-4 & 6-8 pm at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.

Funeral services for Duke will be held at 10:00 am on Friday October 21, 2022, at the funeral home.

Burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne at a later date.

Memorial contributions in memory of Duke may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the online guest register.