Kenneth Poppe

Kenneth Alfred Poppe, 91, passed away on May 18, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona, just three days shy of his 92nd birthday. Kenneth, known to family and friends as Ken, was the son of Harry and Clara Martin Poppe and was born on May 21, 1933, in Loda, Illinois. Ken attended Country Elementary and Kempton High Schools in Illinois. At the age of 16, he moved with his parents to Scottsdale, Arizona and attended Scottsdale High School. At a youth function, Ken met the love of his life Angela Marie Pearsall, and they married on March 3, 1953. Soon after, Ken received his draft notice and joined the U.S. Air Force, serving for three years at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base as a jet mechanic working on B-47 bombers. After leaving the Air Force, Ken worked at AiResearch while attending Arizona State University. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Arts and a Master's Degree in Secondary Education. Ken went on to teach Industrial Arts in the Alhambra Elementary School District until his retirement. Ken and Angela made their home in Phoenix, Arizona, where they shared 67 wonderful years of marriage and were blessed with three sons: Kent, Wayne, and Mark. They were faithful servants of the Lord and were founding members of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Phoenix. Ken was deeply committed to his church and community, volunteering generously both in Arizona and at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota. Ken and Angela cherished their summers at their cabin on Pelican Lake in Breezy Point, Minnesota, and they also loved traveling with family and friends. Ken was the kindest of men, leading by example and showing his sons how to grow into compassionate and thoughtful men. He is best remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend: someone who would do anything for his family and community. Whether tending the gardens at Gloria Dei or preparing afternoon snacks for his grandchildren, he found true joy in caring for those around him. He acted not out of obligation or duty but out of love. Ken was preceded in death by his beloved wife Angela, son Wayne, sister Helen, brother Wendell, and his parents Harry and Clara. Ken is survived by his brother Don (Marilyn) of Paradise Valley, sons Kent (Adele) Poppe of San Tan Valley, Mark (Melinda) Poppe of Phoenix, daughter-in-law Joyce Slater Poppe (Michael) of Minneapolis, MN, and three grandchildren Jill (Mack) Graham, their daughter Elise and son Ian of Minnetonka, MN, John Poppe (Chris) of Boston, MA, and Matthew Poppe of Paris, France. Ken will be dearly missed by his family & friends. Donations in honor of Ken may be made to Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota. A Memorial Service honoring both Ken & Angela will be held at a later date.