Omer Wesley Ropp was born near Kalona, the son of Lewis and Magdalena Hershberger Ropp. He attended Pleasant Hill rural school.
On September 11, 1949, Omer and Pearl Hochstetler were united in marriage at the East Union Mennonite Church. The couple lived all their married life in the Kalona community except for the past three years in Sarasota, Florida. They had spent many winters in Sarasota.
Omer was a contractor in the community and had built or remodeled over 200 structures during his career.
Omer is survived by his wife Pearl, three children and their spouses; Robert and wife Mary Ropp of Rome, Georgia, Lonnie and wife Janice Ropp, of Schaumburg, IL, and Connie Waldron of Sarasota, FL, six grandchildren; Ashley Taylor Ropp, daughter of Robert, Kevin Waldron, Eric Waldron, Dylan Waldron, sons of Connie, Ariel Ropp and Chantel Ropp, daughters of Lonnie. Also surviving are seven siblings and spouses; Lydia and Alvin Gingerich of Kalona, Ada and Ivo Gingerich of Colorado Springs, CO, Edith and Paul Helmuth of Kalona, Effie and Harold Baer of North Lima, OH, Martha Bender, Verda and Bill Swartzendruber, Vernon and Mary Elva Ropp all of Kalona. A number of nieces and nephews survive.
Omer was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Mary Jane Ropp, Ella Mae Ropp and Esther Ropp and one brother, Ernest Ropp, a brother-in-law, James Bender and a sister-in-law, Ardith Ropp.
Casket Bearers- Nephews Myron Ropp, Warren Ropp, James Gingerich, Dwight Gingerich, Lynn Bender, Steve Ropp.
A memorial fund has been established for Kalona Mennonite Church.
Omer's family wants to take this opportunity to express their sincere appreciation for all the many acts of kindness extended to them during this time of their loss. Your thoughtfulness will always be remembered.