Funeral services were held January 25 at St Columbkille Catholic Church in Churdan for John Roper, 99, of Lohrville.
Father Jeff Schleisman officiated at the Mass of Christian Burial.
John Roper died peacefully with his family by his side Saturday, January 20, 2018, at the Shady Oaks Care Center in Lake City.
John Pershing Roper, son of William and Clara Tasler Roper, was born December 2, 1918, on the family farm north of Churdan. He would walk 1/2 mile to attend Reading #8 Country School and later Lohrville High School. He farmed the family farm with his dad. On February 11, 1947, he was united in marriage to Virginia Lane at St Joseph Catholic Church in Jefferson. The couple continued to farm and reside on the family farm. John was always proud to say he lived his entire life on the farm in the same house in which he was born.
John is survived by his wife of 71 years, Virginia; children, Mary Ann and Bob Erickson of Webster City and Ron and Rachael Roper of Gowrie; grandchildren Jason Roper of Paton, Amy (Nathan) Keller of Webster City, Dallas (Mindy) Roper of Farnhamville, Kendal (Tracy) Roper of Gowrie, Scott (Ashley) Erickson of Glenwood; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his family, we would like to include the Peter Wendinger family and the caring staff at Shady Oaks.
John was preceded in death by his parents William and Clara; sisters Elizabeth Roper and Rosella McCormick; and brother Raymond Roper.
He was a lifelong member of St Columbkille Church, sitting in the same pew each Sunday. He loved to listen to polka music.
Foster Funeral and Cremation Center in Webster City assisted the family.
