Francis Joseph Kopp

Parents; Frank M. & Anna Kopp German Emigrants

Born September 26, 1930, at St. Anthony's Hospital in Pendleton, Oregon.Francis grew up on a farm on McKay Creek with sisters Ann, Mary and Rosemary. He attended grade school at St. Joseph's Academy and then transferred to Pendleton High School. He played on the football and Track teams and participated in many activities. He graduated with the class of 1948.After a year of working, he enrolled at Oregon State University in the school of Agriculture. He joined the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity developing many lifelong friendships.

After graduation in 1953 came the Military Duty with the United States Air force through the ROTC program. While in the Air Force he married Marian Duff whom he met at OSU. Most of the time spent in the Air Force was in Nagoya, Japan at Kimaki Airfield. Living off base gave them the opportunity to observe the local culture and inspired them to visit other places in the world. Returning to the US Francis started a 38-year career with the Wilbur Ellis Company in Portland, Oregon. First came some special projects, the AG Chem sales. This led to his transfer to southern Idaho expanding the business in that region, becoming very active in AG affairs and running a successful business. All the while raising 5 boys. Then came retirement and travel including trips to Alaska, the Panama Canal, Aruba, German, the British Isles, many US sites and Puerto Rico. One of their favorite vacation spots was McCall Idaho where they built a cabin for family gatherings. He enjoyed playing golf in the McCall amateur for many years. He was a long-time member of the Plantation Golf Club. Francis spent several years alone after Marian succumbed to cancer. Then meeting Judy Towne, They married and spent several winters in Arizona spending their time playing golf, bridge, and sight-seeing. A trip to Europe and China followed. After some time, they parted ways, remaining the best of friends.

Francis is survived by Nik, (Teri) Rudy, Mike, (Diane), Tony, and Ed, (Shea), along with 8 grandchildren, Emily, Joe, Sophie, Lauren, Michael Anne, Alex, Hanna, Aubrey, and 4 Great-grandchildren. Along with sister Ann Hagen, and Rosemary DenBeste, many nieces and nephews, and many golf and bridge friends.Predeceased, Marian Kopp (wife) Mary Holden (sister) Don Hagen (Brother In-Law) and Al DemBeste (Brother In-Law).