William A. Popps

William A. Popps, age 49, of 616 S. 12th Street, Escanaba, died unexpectedly Wednesday evening at Marquette General Hospital where he had been a patient since last week. Bill was born on November 30, 1955 in Ewen to Ora and Gloria Kopsi Popps. He graduated from Marquette Senior High School and Northern Michigan University with a degree in Theatre. While at NMU he was involved in directing and costume design for the Forest Roberts Theatre. Bill's passion in life was his music and art work, which was recently exhibited at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette. He loved the east coast where he spent ten years of his life. In recent years, he enjoyed trips to New York City to see plays and old friends. Bill lived his life to the fullest and was kind and generous to everyone he met. He is survived by his mother, Gloria Jim Bellows of Marquette; two sisters, Sherry Dave Anderson of Marquette and Tracey Bob Lewis of Marquette; two brothers, Jerry Popps of Ishpeming and Pete Brenda Popps of Marquette; very special friend, Brian Thorsen of Escanaba; also special aunt Linda and uncle Jerry; nieces and nephews, Britnee, Joe, Tiffanie, Chad, Daniel, Kory, Sheena, Tanner, Caleb, Amber, and Cale. He was preceded in death by his father, Ora Popps; also a brother, Kayo Popps as well as his grandparents. A memorial service will be held on Sunday at 5 p.m. in the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home with Chaplain Leon Jarvis officiating. Bill's family will greet relatives and friends beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. A celebration of his life will be held on January 29, 2005 in Escanaba with the location to be announced later.