Richard William Poppa
April 17, 1962 - March 12, 2020
Obituary
**During this time of unprecedented health concerns and the fast-changing public health circumstances, the visitation for Rick on Friday, March 20, 2020 has been cancelled. A private family service will take place on Saturday.**
COTTAGE GROVE - Richard W. "Rick" Poppa, age 57, of Cottage Grove, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2020, at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born on April 17, 1962, in Madison, the son of Francis Poppa Jr. and Judith (Neu) Poppa. Rick graduated from LaFollette High School in 1980. He married the love of his life, Karen Hayden on Oct. 14, 1995, in Cottage Grove.
Rick enjoyed coaching youth football and baseball. His greatest passion was mentoring youth and young adults in various sports and everyday life. He loved throwing darts and competed at the state and national level in Las Vegas. His team took 1st, 2nd and 3rd place at state on multiple occasions throughout the years. Rick enjoyed playing softball, bowling, and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved cheering for the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Wisconsin Badgers.
Rick and Karen loved spending time with family and friends on many adventures, including camping, biking, attending sporting events and family vacations. They were up for any adventure that came their way.
In Rick’s final few weeks, he was able to attend the Rolling Hills Sportsman’s Club Banquet with his close and dear friends, Bill, Brian and Josh. He was also able to enjoy a cookout, with his many “adopted” kids at home.
Richard is survived by his wife, Karen; mother, Judith; sister, Catherine (Andrew) Harrison; mother-in-law, Doris Hayden; brothers-in-law, David (Kay) Hayden and Steven (Kris) Hayden; sisters-in-law, Valerie (Richard) Duerkop, Cheryl Hayden and Karen (Poppa) Flom; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his children, Amanda Brindle and Austin Poppa; father, Francis Jr.; brothers, Jeffery Poppa and James Poppa; father-in-law, Gilbert Hayden; sister-in-law, Chrissy Poppa; and niece, Melisa Hayden.
During this time of unprecedented health concerns and the fast-changing public health circumstances, the visitation for Rick on Friday, March 20, 2020 has been cancelled. A private family service will take place on Saturday. We encourage you to share your online condolences with Rick's family.
The family wishes to thank Michelle Hicklin for her compassionate care, UW Oncology doctors and nurses, Agrace HospiceCare, and family and friends for all their help and care. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
D
DavidHayden
Other •
Thinking of you and Rick’ s family. Love you Karen.
Dave, Kay, Jason, and Brandon
DO
Darlene Olson
Other •
Words can not convey the trials and sadness you have been through. My thoughts are with you, Judy. May God give you strength. Love you. ❤️ Darlene Olson
KR
Kathy Loeb Ranzini
Other •
Judy, sending hugs from a high school friend—Kathy McCloskey. Words are so inadequate, just know that you and your family are in my prayers.
JA
Jeff Armstrong
Other •
I am very sorry to here of Rick's passing. Seems like yesterday but i remember well the days of playing little league baseball with Rick and Jim both. Rick was such a great guy ! Thoughts and prayers to the family and just try to remember all the good times. Jeff Armstrong
JP
Jeff Potter
Other •
I was stunned to hear the news of Rick's passing. We had so many great times together as we grew up, playing on a great baseball team, with a group of great ball players, with a great coach (Don Waldorf). Fishing down at Starkweather Creek, even though we rarely caught fish, but we tried. I was happy to hear he was involved in youth sports, I know he made a difference with the kids he worked with.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all the Poppa Family.
Love you brother :)
MW
Mike and Claudia Widen
Other •
So many wonderful memories. Babysitting Rick and his brothers and sister, weddings, reunions and other family functions, pheasant hunting with Rick in South Dakota just a few years ago. Even driving to Dodgeville to pick up Claudia and I when our car broke down. Rick, you will be sorely missed but never forgotten. Love and condolences to your family. "Uncle " Mike and Claudia