Jim J. Kropp

Jim J. Kropp obituary, De Pere, WI

Jim J. Kropp

Jim Kropp Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Ryan Funeral Home & Crematory - De Pere on Oct. 1, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

James "Jim" Kropp, king of concessions, master of the homemade pizza, and Electric Slide enthusiast, took his final bow at home in Green Bay on August 22, 2025, from complications of a traumatic brain injury.
Jim proudly ran Baba Louie's since 1988 and his concessions business since 1982-feeding hungry crowds and making people smile with every cheese curd and corn dog. He didn't just serve food; he served up great laughs and unforgettable memories, one event at a time.
He was a man of many passions: traveling to Florida (because the man loved a beach chair and a good tan), dancing like nobody was watching (even though we definitely were), and attending more concerts and conventions than most of us could keep up with. If the Electric Slide started playing, Jim was already halfway to the dance floor.
Jim cheered with full volume for the Packers, Brewers, and the Knights-often from his favorite chair, remote in hand, beer in hand, and opinions ready. He was the kind of fan who believed yelling at the TV really did help the team.
Jim spent years perfecting his homemade pizza recipe-and frankly, he was pretty proud of it. (As he should've been.)
Jim leaves behind his fiancée, Vicki Vandenberg; his kids, Sidney Kropp and Dylan Kropp and wife Olivia Kropp; and his sister, Jane DeChamps.
He was greeted on the other side by his wife, Laurie Kropp; his parents, Ervin Kropp and Mary VandeBruggen; and his brother, John Kropp-who we're sure already have a plate ready for him.
Jim will be remembered for his big heart, contagious smile, legendary pizza, singing and dancing to his favorite songs, and his ability to turn any event into a good time. He'll be missed, but never forgotten, especially by anyone who ever shared a slice, a curd, a story, or a song with him.
Family and friends may call for visitation on Wednesday, September 3 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N Tenth Street in De Pere. A prayer service will begin immediately following visitation at 6:00 PM.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jim J. Kropp, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Jim's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Jim Kropp's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Jim Kropp's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?