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Donald Wayne "Donnie" Poppen

Donald Poppen Obituary

Donald Wayne Poppen "Donnie" Whiting, IN Donald Wayne Poppen "Donnie", age 74, of Whiting, IN, passed away on Friday, July 27, 2007 at his residence. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Barbara (nee Koleszarik); a wonderful father to his only son, Don Jr. "Bopper" (Cathy) Poppen of Whiting, IN; dear brother of Bob (Mary) Poppen of Whiting, IN, Carolyn (Bill) Miles of Highland, IN, Norma (late Jack) Montgomery of Garner, NC, Sharon (Gene) Semple of Rockford, IL, Linda Lober of Griffith, IN and the late Barb (late John) Weathers; special niece and nephew: Denise and Robert Poppen of Whiting, IN; and many cherished nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 1, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th Street, Whiting, IN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting, IN with the Rev. John E. Kalicky, C.PP.S., officiating. Interment Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Schererville, IN. Visitation at the funeral home Tuesday from 2:00-9:00 p.m. Members of the parish, together with the St. John Rosary Society, will offer prayers at the funeral Home Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. Donnie Poppen was born on May 28, 1933 in Whiting, IN to Fred and Thelma (Purbaugh) Poppen and was a lifelong resident. Don was known best for the many friendships, camaraderie and good business practices as the owner and operator of Poppen's Service Station in Whiting for 50 years. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting, where he served as an usher. Don was a graduate of George Rogers Clark High School, Class of 1952, a member of the Knights of Columbus, Pope John XXIII, Council 1696 (prayers Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.), a member of the Whiting-Robertsdale Chamber of Commerce and the Friends of the Whiting Library. A devoted husband and father, he will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Hospice of the Calumet Area would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

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Published by The Times from Jul. 30 to Jul. 31, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Poppen

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Peter Beda

September 1, 2007

May the Angels lead you into Paradise; may the Martyrs receive you at your coming, and take you to Jerusalem the Holy City. May the choirs of the Angels receive you, and may you, with the once poor Lazarus, have rest everlasting. And remember my friends, a heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others.

Edward "Mize" Meissner

August 8, 2007

To the Poppen family: May God comfort and sustain you in this time of grief. I have many good memories of Donnie at Clark.

Sr. Maria Theresa Hronec

August 4, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you and all your dear ones. May the Lord be your comfort and strength during this difficult time. He will be with you even as He has promised.

Raymond Zahrndt

August 3, 2007

I wish to express my sincere condolances to the Poppen Family. We went to High School together and he was a good friend and will be missed by all who knew him.He was always willing to help me with my first car as a senior in High School a 1935 Plymouth . A friend Ray Zahrndt class of 1951

Sarah, St. Margaret Mercy Nurse

August 2, 2007

My deepest sympathy to the Poppen family. Don was one of my most favorite patients and judging by other comments he was a favorite to many people. He never complained about anything and was always a happy patient even when I wasn't a happy nurse. It breaks my heart not to be able to say good-bye. He will be missed sorely I can tell.

Paul Rokosz

August 2, 2007

My sister called last night and gave me the bad news about Donnie. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of such a great guy. Donnie was one of those people who could cheer you up just by talking to him. He always had time for a smile and a conversation. What a loss not only for the Poppen family but also for the Whiting-Robertsdale community.

My prayers are with all of you. May God grant Donnie eternal rest and bring comfort to your family knowing that he now lives in eternal happiness. God bless.

Jeff Serafin

August 2, 2007

To the Poppen family,
My sincerest sympathy on the loss of Mr. Poppen. Our community was blessed with a true businessman full of integrity and honesty. He will be missed far more than words can express.

Crystal Coppi

August 1, 2007

I always enjoyed a visit to Mr Poppen's. He was such a good spirit, and was always willing to help others. I liked getting to visit the garage with my Dad. Mr. Poppen always had a Dunkin Donut to offer and a he knew I liked playing with Mikey.

jan & deb coppi

August 1, 2007

TO BARB & THE POPPEN FAMILY, OUR SYMPATHY IN THE PASSING OF A TRUE GENTLEMAN, A COMPASSIONATE & HONEST HARD WORKING SOUL. I WASNT ONE OF THE OLE TIMERS I WAS MORE OR LESS A JOHNNY COME LATELY COMPARED TO SOME OF THE OTHER REGULARS WHO HUNG AROUND THE STATION. DONNIE WAS ALWAYS FAIR & HONEST WITH ME AS HE WAS WITH OTHERS. I ENJOYED THE TIME I SPENT IN THE MORNINGS WHEN I WOULD STOP BY FOR A CUP OF "JOE",WITH JOE.J & LISTEN TO THE B.S. FLOW. AS DONNIE TRIED TO TAKE CARE OF ME THROUGH THE YEAR I TRIED TO TAKE CARE OF HIM DURING THE WINTER BY PLOWING OUT HIS STATION SO CARS COULD GET IN & OUT EASIER. A TRUE WHITING ICON HE WILL BE SORELY MISSED. HE'S IN HEAVEN CLEANING WINDSHIELDS OF THE SAINTS! "BUD" MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN ETERNAL PEACE.

Robert Turich

July 31, 2007

My sympathy to the Poppen Family. Donnie was one of the most honest, caring, trusting person I ever known. As a businessman, he was the best! He will be truly missed by all.

Carole Hruskocy-Primo

July 31, 2007

Poppen Family,
My sincerest sympathies to all your family. I received word of Don's passing from my sister. Our family finds comfort in knowing that our dad "Moon" now has one more friend to visit with in heaven. May you also find comfort in knowing that part of the old gang is back together.

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Bob and Cathy Welch

July 31, 2007

Extending our deepest sympathy to Don, Mrs. Poppen and your entire family. We are very sorry for your loss.

You should be very proud of the extraordinary example he set as an honest, caring, intelligent businessman and friend of the community. He has taken the very best care of us at Poppen's over the years and we are very grateful.

We are honored to have known him.

Mary Alice McHale

July 31, 2007

Dear Barb & Family,
I just got word of your loss & my deepest sympathy to all of you. May you find peace in knowing that so many people care. God bless all of you.

Jeff, Wendy & Matt Adam

July 31, 2007

Don, Cathy, Mike & Neil,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you guys in this difficult time. We'll miss seeing Don's face as we pass by the station. He was a great man who took the time to talk to anyone who came to his business, even if it was just for air in your tire! Take comfort in the great memories you have of him and know that we have truly lost one of God's gifts to us.

The Robertsdale LL Family

July 31, 2007

To The Poppen Family,
Our sincerest condolences on the passing of Don. He was truly a fixture along 119th Street for many years and his devotion to and sponsorship of Robertsdale Little League will always be remembered. Whiting/Robertsdale has lost a wonderful man. God Bless

Ron & Betty Jackson (GRC-54)

July 31, 2007

Dear Barb & Family,
I'm sorry to hear of Don's passing - Don was an athletic mentor for me back in '52 when I was a sophomore at Clark and I've never forgotten that - I'm thankful I was able to visit with him the summer before last. He was always true to himself and all who knew him will miss him. Blessings to you and your family.

Richard Dubish

July 31, 2007

Poppen Family
My deepest sympathy. Donnie was a long time friend; he has contributed a great deal to the community and he will be missed by all.

CRAIG & REGINA OWENS

July 31, 2007

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Cindy Dreesen

July 30, 2007

Dear Poppen Family:

Several years ago, when we decided to move to Las Vegas from Whiting, just before we left I went to the people that were so good to us through the years to say good-bye. The only time I cried is when I went to say good-bye to Don. I knew I would never find another HONEST and knowledgeable car mechanic like him again. I remember my Dad's brother (Mike Jurbala) spent about everyday visiting at the garage, and so did many others. My Dad, Tom, is gone now too, but I am sure he and Uncle Mike were happy to see Don in heaven. Don will be sorely missed.

With Deepest Sympathy,
Cindy (Jurbala) Dreesen & family

MaryAnn Germick and family

July 30, 2007

Barbara and family,
My sincere condolences to you on the loss of your husband. I am visiting relatives in Florida and unable to make the visitation.

MARY ANN BRATINA PUJALS

July 30, 2007

DEAR BARB, I JUST GOT WORD OF YOUR LOSS. I WANT TO EXTEND MY CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN YOUR TIME OF GRIEF.

Laura Wilkinson

July 30, 2007

Cathy & Don
Im so sorry for the loss of your father.Im sure he'll keep the engines running in heaven!

Love
Laura, Mike and Ryan

Lee (Baldy) Bollhorst

July 30, 2007

Barb, so sorry for your loss and I'll cherish all the fun times we had together. Donnie left mighty big foot prints in the community and everyone he touched. You and yours are in our prayers.
Lee & Sherry Bollhorst

Jimmie & Rich Fortner

July 30, 2007

So sorry to hear of Donnie's passing.Barbara and family God Bless.And Donnie God Bless and rest in peace. Jimmie(class mate) & Rich Fortner

Darice & Kelsea Curran

July 30, 2007

Dear Don & Cathy,

So sorry to hear about the loss of your father and father in law. He was always willing to help out when I had numerous car problems...you don't find mechanics that make "house calls". I know the next few weeks will be tough, losing a parent is not easy. He is in a much better place, and is never more than a thought away. Cherish your memories.

With Deepest Sympathy,

Cliff Bartlett

July 30, 2007

Barb & Bopper please accept my condolence. Donnie was a great friend & he will be missed by all who knew him.

Suzie Montgomery

July 30, 2007

Aunty Barb, Bopper, and Cathy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Uncle Donnie was loved by a lot of people and will be deeply missed! The Montgomery's will see you in a few days. May the Lord give you peace and comfort.

George A. Kauchakl

July 30, 2007

Our deepest sympathy to your family in this time of sorrow. George and Sharon (Antilla) Kauchak, Syracuse,Indiana

Renee Poirier

July 30, 2007

Mrs. Poppen, I am so sorry about your lose. My thought's and prayers will be with you. My condolences.

Dolores (Krieger) Arcury

July 30, 2007

Barbara and family, Donnie will never be forgotten. He was the backbone of friendship to many, many people as you well know. To know he is in a better place can be comforting. I will keep you in my prayers and in my heart. Much love, Dee

JIM PETE CONDES

July 30, 2007

O GOD OF SPIRITS AND OF ALL FLESH, WHO HAS TRODDEN DOWN DEATH AND DESTROYED THE THE POWER OF THE DEVIL, AND GIVIN LIFE TO THE WORLD; TO THE SOUL OF THY SERVANT "DONNIE" WHO HAS FALLEN ASLEEP DO THOU , O LORD, GIVE REST, IN A PLACE OF LIGHT, IN A PLACE OF GREEN PASTURE, IN A PLACE OF REFRESHING WHERE PAIN AND SORROW AND SIGHING HAVE FLED AWAY, AND WITH YOUR GOODNESS AND MERCY REMIT, O GOD, ALL THE SINS COMMITTTED BY HIM IN WORD, OR DEED, OR THOUGHT, FOR THERE IS NO MAN WHO LIVETH AND SINNETH NOT; YOU ONLY LORD, ARE WITHOUT SIN.

MAY YOU AND YOUR GOOD FRIEND PETE DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD.

Maggie, Oscar & your favorite Kids

July 30, 2007

Don and Family:

As we live life we learn a lot, but if we really think about it we learn the most from...who else if not our parents. As you go through this time of sorrow, I want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. I share your pain, as I lost my father too. Please do NOT hesitate to call if you need anything. With lots of love!!! Your favorite Polak, with the crabby kids that come to your house ALLLLL the time.

RON ZUK

July 30, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Tracy Levin

July 30, 2007

I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences.

Elaine (Sohovich) Ruzbasan

July 30, 2007

My deepest sympathies on the loss of your husband Barb, my prayers are with you and your family.

Ladies at American Trust & Savings Bank Insurance Dept.

July 30, 2007

Deepest Sympathy to the entire family.

Bill and Noni Walsko

July 30, 2007

Yes, sadly missed, especially by Barb. We are sorry to hear of Don's passing. He and you (Barb)will be in our prayers.

The Spiritual Care Dept. St. Margaret Mercy

July 30, 2007

Heavenly Father, Consoler of the grieving, you know the pain in our loss. Come with your compassionate love. Embrace our sorrow and heartache. Soothe our sore, distressed spirit. Gather all of our good memories and hold them close to our hearts so they can bring us needed comfort. In this time of grieving carry us on your strong wings. Be our patience day by day when the heartache refuses to leave. Be our strength when we are exhausted. Be our hope when we feel overwhelmed. Be our faith when we do not understand. Be our trust when we are distraught. Be our peace when we are filled with tears. Amen
"Comfort, O comfort my people" says your God. (Isaiah 40:1)

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