Wayne Arnold Popp

Wayne Arnold Popp, 83, of Ionia died Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024 at his home.

A private family service will take place at a later date.

Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton have been entrusted with Wayne’s arrangements.

Wayne was born on June 12, 1941, the son of Arnie and Alvine (Lewandowski) Popp in Minnesota. He was raised in Little Falls, Minnesota and he graduated from Little Falls High School in 1959.

In 1988, he united in marriage to the love of his life, Phoeba, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Together, they shared many happy years and built a life full of love, family, and adventure.

Wayne had a strong work ethic and a heart of gold. He spent over 30 years driving semi for Hyman Freight, retiring at the age of 54. In addition to his successful career, Wayne was deeply involved in his community and passions. He played for the Chickasaw Men’s Pool League for many years, enjoyed golfing, and spent countless hours watching football with his son, Jim. Wayne’s love for the outdoors was evident in his appreciation for John Deere tractors and his enjoyment of auctions and collecting antiques.

One of Wayne’s greatest joys was spending time with his family. He worked in his shop and restored old tractors with his grandson, James, and shared special moments with his granddaughter, Taylor, building birdhouses and working on hay wagons for the Cedar Valley Engine Club. Wayne was a dedicated volunteer at the Engine Club, where he worked on machinery, took care of the grounds, and helped with garbage duty during the tractor shows. His contributions were greatly valued, and he made many lifelong friends through his volunteer work.

Wayne’s passion for sports was unmatched. He was a lifelong fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Twins, proudly cheering them on through every season.

Wayne faced his later years with the same strength and resilience that defined his life, battling cancer with determination. His family is forever grateful for the years of care provided by Mayo Clinic in Rochester and Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Phoeba; two daughters, Brenda Popp, Corrine (John) Lauer; daughter-in-law, Terry Tucker; five grandchildren, Katie (Joe) Roppe, Sara (Tanner) Beckerleg, Ashley (Cory) Hammer, Taylor (Justin Moser) Tucker, James Tucker; six great-grandchildren, Bliss Hammer, Cooper Hammer, Autumn Hulsing, Rowan Moser, Caden Beckerleg, Jonathan Roppe; one brother, Arnie Popp, one sister, Joan Scholl; one sister-in-law, Pam Popp.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, James Tucker, two brothers, David and Ronald Popp; brother-in-law, Clem Scholl.