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Clara A. Jopp – 8/3/2011


Clara A. Jopp, age 94 ,of Mayer, died Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011, at the Elim Home of Watertown.

She was born Aug. 20, 1916, in Hamburg, the daughter of William and Bertha (Wroge) Stoeckman. Clara was baptized Sept. 3, 1916, and confirmed April 13, 1930, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Hamburg by the Rev. Bowmann.

Clara graduated from Bethesda Hospital of Nursing May 12, 1938.

She was united in marriage to Ralph Paul Jopp Oct. 12, 1940, in Hamburg by the Rev. Bowmann.

In her community, Clara was known as a person who cared for people, both physically and spiritually. She was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church of Hollywood, and a faithful lifelong member of the St. John Ladies Aid and Lutheran Women’s Missionary League.

Her nursing career began in Watertown Hospital with Drs. Brathold and Pogue. Next, she served in the new Watertown Hospital with Dr. Philp as a surgical nurse and in charge of central supply. Many times she was called upon to care for people in emergencies and home care.

Clara and Ralph were instrumental in forming the Hollywood Stars 4-H Club. Their home game farm was visited by many groups of young and old. Welcoming and entertaining people was a highlight for both.

Clara’s involvement in the local homemakers club enhanced her skills for caring for her family and entertaining. She was a faithful supporter in a wide variety of activities during her husband’s 16-year tenure in the state House of Representatives.

Clara is preceded in death by her husband, Rep. Ralph Jopp; mother and father, Bertha and William Stoeckman; sisters Magadalene Gust, Esther Pieper, Emma Fenske, Cordelia Schrupp, and Edna Bonniwell; brothers Fred, Albert and Orville Stoeckmann; and father-in-law and mother-in-law Paul and Elsie Jopp.

She is survived by her loving family; children and spouses, Keith and Janet Jopp of Cheney, KS, Bonnie and John Eberle of New Germany, and Terry and Marcia Jopp of Winsted; grandchildren Tonya and Jeff Gaona, Jacque and Matt Durr, Mark Eberle, Leslie Eberle and James Dressen, Ryan Jopp, and Grady and Melissa Jopp; great-grandchildren Blake Jopp, Garret Durr, Emma Durr, Ava Gaona, and Kylie Jopp; sisters Marcella Darner of California, and Dorothy Rathmanner of Hopkins; nieces; nephews; and other relatives and friends.

The funeral service took place Saturday, Aug. 6 at 11 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Hollywood Township, New Germany, with the Rev. Robert Rupprecht officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery.

Visitation was Friday, Aug. 5 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia, and continued Saturday at the church one hour prior to the service.

Casket bearers were Tonya Gaona, Jacque Durr, Mark Eberle, Leslie Eberle, Ryan Jopp, and Grady Jopp.

Arrangements were with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia; www.johnsonfh.com.

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