Richard F. Soppa

Richard F Soppa, D. N. passed away peacefully at age 88 on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 in Rockford, Ill. Born on October 2, 1934 in Arcadia, Wis. to Anton and Elizabeth (Sobotta) Soppa. Graduated from Arcadia High School (1952) and went on to attend Gahl Institute Railroad Training (1953) and was in the U.S. Army (1956-1958) stationed in Japan. He served as a Personnel & Communication Specialists and was an accomplished member of the Army track team. Richard then went on to graduate from the Chicago National College of Naprapathy (1962). He established his naprapathy practice in Rockford and served many patients faithfully for 60 years (1962-2022). He received an Outstanding Clinic Award, was member of the CNCN Research Committee, and was CNCN Alumni President. He was a faithful choir singer, cantor, and member of St James Church (Rkfd.) He was a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1962. Richard loved golf and muskie fishing, and enjoyed attending educational lectures.
Richard is survived by his 4 children Tamara M. (Robin) Koenig, Janet E. (James) Derksen, Laura A. Soppa, and Anthony G. (Rebekah) Soppa; 4 grandchildren Kelsey J. Koenig, Amanda R. Koenig, Helena G. Derksen, and Beatriz E. (Wes) Acosta; his sister Therese James, many friends and grateful patients. He is preceded in death by his parents and 10 brothers & sisters.
A visitation will take place on Monday, October 10, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61108 Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will take place the same day at St. James Catholic Church, in the Beauvais Center, 428 N 2nd Street, at 12:00 p.m. Burial to follow at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. James Catholic Church. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com