John Ropicky, 73, of Whitewater, died Aug. 29, 2014 at Alden Estates of Jefferson Rehab and Health Center. He was born July 16, 1941, to the late John and Mary (nee Pizur) Ropicky in Cudahy.
His early life was spent in Cudahy where he attended Cudahy High School and was an outstanding diver on the school swim team.
Following high school he served in the U.S. Navy as a senior navigation specialist on the USS WASP CVS-18. After his time in the Navy, John worked for Pelton Steel then was employed by Jacobsen’s Manufacturing and Hometown Oil Company.
On Aug. 16, 1980, he was united in marriage to Steffanie A. Riel in Racine.
In 1992 he relocated to Whitewater where he worked for and then retired from Frawley Oil Corp. John was a member of the First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater, the Masonic Lodge 288 in Union Grove and a lifetime member of the NRA.
In his free time he loved golfing and trapshooting. John was a history buff, he enjoyed studying history and traveling to and visiting various historical sites. But more than anything John loved his morning toast.
Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Steffanie; children, Pamela (James) Entringer, David, Brian (Kari) and Alissa (Wesley Weaver); grandchildren, Nathan (Brianna), Kirk (Kaisey McGaffigan), Noah Entringer, Sean Ropicky–Boult, Andrew and Bella; great-grandson Kaiden; sister, Charlotte (Thomas) Dantzman; brother, Richard (Shirleen); aunts, Rosie and Clemmie; and uncles, Ben and Bob (Ruth).
John is also survived by his first wife and friend Geraldine, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
He was further preceded in death by his brothers. Gerald and Norman, and sister, Susan Bieniak.
In lieu of flowers the memorials may be made to the family.
John’s family would like to thank the staff at Alden Estates of Jefferson, the staff at Rainbow Hospice and the doctors and staff at UW Health in Madison and Mercy Hospital in Janesville for their care and compassion. They would also like to thank all of their family and friends for their loving support during this difficult time.
Chapel services with full Military Honors will take place at noon on Friday Sept. 12, at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 21731 Spring St,, Union Grove. A gathering of family and friends will follow at his daughter Pam’s home. All are welcome.
Polnasek-Daniels Funeral Home, Union Grove, is assisting the family.
