Daniel John Ropa
December 25, 1964 - October 09, 2018
Obituary
MIDDLETON/EAU CLAIRE-It is with a great sense of loss that the family of Daniel John Ropa (Lake Villa, Ill.; Eau Claire, Wis.; Chippewa Falls, Wis.; Middleton, Wis.) announces his death on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018, after succumbing to the long-term effects of alcoholism on his mind and body.
Dan was born in 1964 to John W. and Arete Ropa in Des Plaines, Ill. He grew up in Lake Villa, Ill., on Deep Lake, where he was an avid fisherman, a hard-working baseball player and, regrettably, too short for a position on the high school varsity basketball team. Always intense, Dan filled his childhood home with friends and neighbors, hosting swimming parties and whiffle ball games at a young age; poker games and New Year’s celebrations in his older years. Dan graduated from Antioch (Ill.) High School in 1982 and from Augustana College, in Rock Island, Ill., in 1986.
Dan found his professional passion in journalism, first as the editor of his high school newspaper and then graduating to a career in news radio at WEAQ-FM in Eau Claire, Wis. He soon launched his own business by forming Ropa Publishing and gaining sole ownership of The Bottom Line newsletter in Eau Claire in 1988. In addition to growing The Bottom Line, Dan dedicated great time and energy to the Silver Mine Invitational Ski Jump Festival and the Festival in the Pines. Dan was the publisher of The Bottom Line business newsletter for 29 years until diagnosed with dementia in 2017.
Dan is survived by his father, John; his brothers, David and Doug; his sister-in-law, Heidi; his nephews Sam and Ben; his niece, Darshana; and numerous beloved aunts, uncles and cousins. Dan was preceded in death by his mother, Arete. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Lutheran Social Services Fahrman Center in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
A Memorial Service will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 9, and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave
608-831-6761
Events
Visitation
Fri Nov 9, 2018 @ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Middleton • 7435 University Ave., Middleton, WI 53562
Visitation
Sat Nov 10, 2018 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Middleton • 7435 University Ave., Middleton, WI 53562
Memorial Service
Sat Nov 10, 2018 @ 11:00 AM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Middleton • 7435 University Ave., Middleton, WI 53562
Photos
No photos of Daniel have been shared yet.
Memories
BC
Bob Crutchfield
Other •
Where do I start? I would have to say all the times we played poker together and making the trips to Vegas is my favorite times with Dan. Dan always had a smile on his face hard to read when playing poker against him he was a good poker player. I guess I cannot leave out playing 12 inch softball with him man we had some good times I am going to miss him DAMN. I will see you again my friend love you Crutch.
JM
John Mullen
Other •
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Peace, John Mullen
PT
Patricia Thomas
Other •
I was Dan's third grade teacher at Hooper School in Lindenhurst IL. He was a wonderful little boy to teach, a very talented student and had such an engaging personality. He was one of those students that I'll never forget. I was so sorry to learn about his passing. I'm sure that Artie was there to meet him as he entered heaven. My deepest sympathies to Dan's family.
Mrs Pat Thomas
LM
Lori Minch
Other •
My thoughts and prayers are with the Ropa family. I've known Dan for 15+ years - what a blessing to have known him. So sad he has left us at such a young age. My sincerest condolences. Lori Minch
JT
Jerry and Jan Traxler
Other •
Each year we enjoyed seeing Dan at the Festival of the Pines in Eau Claire. We will always remember his smile, kind words and great energy. For many years we looked forward to reading The Bottom Line from cover to cover, especially his weekly commentary. One special column written by his Dad, John taught us to eat crackers with the salt side down. Jerry and Jan Traxler, Menomonie, WI.
JO
John and Lela Olson
Other •
Our Deepest sympathy to the Ropa Family! Dan will be remembered always and missed. He always had a way of making everyone feel good that was around him. Dan DJ'd at our wedding over 25 years ago and I still remember all the fun that was had and how much of a friend he was to us since.
To the many talks and watching our Bears, We will miss ya my friend! John and Le Olson