Dean Lowell Joppa

MADISON-Dean Lowell Joppa finished his work on earth on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2018. He was born in Deerfield, on Feb. 13, 1922, to Mary Ann (Sauber) and Livewright Joppa.  He was the 12th child of the family that would eventually grow to 13 children.  He served in the U.S. Army during World War II where he mastered the trade of auto mechanic.  After returning home from the service, he and his brother, Roe, opened Joppa Brothers Auto Body in Dayton, Wis. He married Sally Lou Cole in 1953, and together they raised six children in a close-knit neighborhood on Madison's East side. Dean worked as head mechanic at Smart Motors in Madison for 23 years where he was given the nickname “Dino”. He spent his retirement years working on cars or whatever needed fixing for his family, friends and neighbors. There really wasn't a motor he couldn't fix or a car he couldn't get running. He enjoyed his acreage in Rio and a visit there was always an adventure. Our Dad loved trees and planted hundreds in his lifetime. He enjoyed fishing, deer hunting and small children. He was a simple man that had a simple motto: “Why buy new when you can fix the old?” lf something needed fixing he would learn how to repair it and find a way to make it work. He was capable in many trades and used his hands in carpentry, building, roofing, electrical, plumbing and painting to name a few. His hands were a visible testament to all the hard work that he did in his life. He was spunky, witty and charismatic. Dean is survived by his children, Bobbie Jean “Barbara” Marvin, Susan (John) Aiello, David Joppa, Dale Joppa, Daniel Joppa and Mary Ann (Steve) Iverson. He also leaves behind many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great grandchildren; nephews and nieces; and folks from the old neighborhood. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sally; grandson, Michael Lehmann; son-in-law, Alfred Marvin; daughter-in-law, Barbara Joppa; 12 brothers and sisters; goddaughter, Kristi Kaltenberg; and many friends. How great it is for him to re-connect with all these people, especially his bride, Sally, whose companionship and love he missed every day since she passed in 1992.  Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12 noon on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018, with Father Mike Tess presiding.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.  The family wishes to thank the entire staff at Capitol Lakes in downtown Madison for their excellent care for our Dad these past two years and for making their facility his home. Thank you for everything you did for him and us. We also wish to thank the amazing Dr. Goldrosen who Dad trusted with his health care and who visited Dad at Capitol Lakes on the day he passed. They don't make doctors like him anymore! Revelation 1:17-18 Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am he who lives and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen