Deacon Donald Joseph Ropson

Deacon Donald (Don) Ropson, aged 76, passed away on July 15, 2024 following a prolonged illness. He was a beloved husband, brother, uncle and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Don was born on December 2, 1947 in Green Bay, WI. He attended St. Matthew’s Grade School, graduated from Premontre High School and attended UW Milwaukee. He married the love of his life, Peg Schuch on September 20, 1980. Peg and Don enjoyed traveling. Friday night golf and fish fries with family (many of which featured Don’s catch of the day!) were staple activities. Peg and Don shared a love for dogs and were known as dog whisperers, quickly becoming the go-to “aunt” and “uncle” for family fur babies.

 In his free time, Don enjoyed hunting anything from South Dakota pheasants to Horicon Marsh waterfowl. Every fall was spent with his deer hunting buddies up in Amberg, WI. A wildlife preservation advocate, he was actively involved in organizations such as Trout Unlimited. Don had played baseball since childhood and as an adult played on softball teams sponsored by Fat Albert’s Tavern, with Peg as his number one fan. Don also believed in giving back to the community and participated in several Habitat for Humanity builds.

 His greatest passion came to him later in life when Don found his calling to the Diaconate. He went through 5 years of formation and was ordained on May 15, 2004. Following his ordination he was assigned to Resurrection Catholic Parish, where he faithfully served until his retirement in January 2023. While a Deacon, Don guided numerous couples in marriage preparation, performed many weddings, baptisms, funerals, and home visits. He also participated, along with fellow Deacons, in two mission trips to the Dominican Republic. He was a Chaplain for Knights of Columbus Father Claude Allouez Council No. 10714 for many years. He touched countless lives and brought the love of Jesus to many.

 Don is survived by his loving wife, Peg; brother Mike (Laine); sisters Sue Brickson (Chris) and Mary Gilson; sisters-in-law Pat Jankowski (Ted), Deb Buckman (Pat), Mary Birtzer (Steve), Kathy Koehler (Jeff), Jean Gustafson (Jim) and Teresa Schroeder (Rick); brother-in-law Bill Schuch (Cathy) and many nieces and nephews. 

 He was preceded in death by his parents, Ethel and Cy Ropson; parents-in-law Ed and Erma Schuch; nephew Tom Brickson, and niece Laura Birtzer.

 The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to Compassus Hospice, especially DJ, Courtney and Tonya as well as Brown County EMTs for their compassionate care and assistance.

 Visitation will be held at Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care, 860 N Webster Ave., De Pere WI, 54115 on Monday July 22 from 4:00pm to 6:30pm with prayer service and rosary to follow. Visitation will continue at Resurrection Catholic Parish, 333 Hilltop Drive, Green Bay, WI, 54301 on Tuesday July 23 from 9:30am to 11:00am followed by the Mass of Christian Burial.

 To leave on-line condolences visit www.cotterfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate contributions to Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter or American Parkinson Association, Wisconsin Chapter. 

Til we meet again, Vous.