OBITUARIES
John Edward Schopp III
John Edward Schopp III, age 83, of Centerville, Iowa, passed away Friday, August 14, 2020, at his home under the care of EveryStep Hospice.
John was born in Chicago, IL, on February 28, 1937, and passed on August 14, 2020, in Centerville, IA. His parents were John Edward Schopp Jr. and Helen Louise Withrow Schopp. He had one sister, Arvilla Louise Schopp Samples. Being the third John, growing up, he was nicknamed, “Little John,” but there was nothing little about him at 6 feet, 3 1/2 inches tall. He was well-liked by many, never knowing a stranger, and over the years had many friends, wherever he lived. He was a retired sheet metal journeyman and foreman by trade, as well as a retired minister and cattle rancher.
His parents raised John and his sister, Arvilla, primarily in the Chicago area, in Northlake, near his grandparents, John Edward Schopp Sr. and Arvilla R. McCumber Schopp, who lived in nearby Oak Park. John attended Leyden High School. They also lived for a few years in Gravette, AR, where his dad had bought a farm, and John and his sister attended Gravette Public School. There under Supt. Glenn A. Duffy, he played football under Principal and Coach Bernard McAbee and was active in FFA, under Vonn Reed. He was saved and baptized at First Baptist Church of Gravette. They returned to Northlake where he graduated from Leyden High School in Franklin Park, IL.
Later John married Beverly McKettrick and raised 5 children in their first home, built in Villa Park, IL. After selling that home in 1969, John and Bev, chose to uproot and move to Arkansas, where he had fond memories. They bought a ranch just north of Van Buren. Their children attended Cedarville Public Schools and the family became members of Uniontown Baptist Church in Uniontown, AR. After attending UBC for about a year, John rededicated his life, surrendered to the ministry, ordained and licensed through Uniontown Baptist Church. He ministered at Cass Baptist Church, north of Ozark, AR, until selling the ranch and moving to Gravette, AR, in 1977. He also pastored First Christian Church in Gravette for 3 years.
John took work out of state, working in Oklahoma and in the 4-Corners area of Durango, CO, and Farmington, NM. While there he married Betty Millich Archaletta and eventually, they moved to Carpentersville, IL.
Betty remained in Illinois with her children.
John purchased a home in Centerville, IA, and there he met and then married Martha Wendland. They enjoyed traveling and vacationing in Branson in his retirement.
Through the years, John loved his animals, especially his dogs. He also loved walking amongst his cattle on the ranch, studying his Bible, sharing his love for the Lord, watching his children play ball, fishing, hunting, bowling, and golfing. He enjoyed designing, engineering, building and supervising—always giving suggestions to help get a project into motion or the best route for “your next adventure.”
John was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, his sister, and one granddaughter, Rachael Sydney Schopp. John is survived by his wife, Martha, 5 children, Lori Ann Walker (and Mike), Kenneth William Schopp (and Patsy), Wendy Denise Stith (and Gary), John Edward Schopp IV (and Mary Ellen), and Nancy Michelle Smith (and Keith); twelve step-children; 10 grandchildren, Justin (and Jessica) Walker, Paul Walker; Kenneth (and Jenny) Schopp, Kimberly (and Andrew) McDaniel; Allison (and Matthew) Phillips, Megan Wheeler, Brett Stith; Morgan Schopp; Amanda Smith and Bailey Smith.; and 9 great-grandchildren, Sydnee, Caroline, and Lillian Walker; Bella and Emma Schopp; Teagan and Aydan McDaniel; and Adaline and James Phillips. One dog, Sally, he leaves with Martha, to help keep her company since losing Dolly.
Funeral service will be at Fellowship Baptist Church in Nicut, OK, at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 29, 2020, with Graveside immediately following at Uniontown Cemetery, in Uniontown, Arkansas, under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren. Reverend Ed Baker, a long-time friend and mentor to John, will be officiating. Pallbearers are: Sons: Kenneth Schopp, John Schopp, Son-in-law, Mike Walker, and Friends: Vincent Connelly, Mikey Wells, Kyndell Myers, Roger Myers, and Farron Mitchell.
The family thanks you for celebrating the life of John Edward Schopp III. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate contributions be made for: Rachael Schopp Memorial Fund, Community Bank of Western Springs, 1000 Hillgrove Avenue, Western Springs, IL, 60558. Memorial contributions can also be mailed to Lange Funeral Home and Crematory, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa, 52544.
Online tributes: www. ockerfuneralhome.com.
PAID OBITUARY