David Lee Jopp

David Lee Jopp was born to William Gehardt and Emma Olga Jopp on November 20, 1945, in Watertown, MN. He passed away at the age of 77 on July 6, 2023, at home in Zwolle, LA.

David enlisted in the Navy and served our country from 1962 to 1968. He was on active duty from 1962 through 1966 on the U.S.S. Borie DD-704 as a Machinist’s Mate. David continued his service by joining the reserves through the end of 1968.

In 1964, David married Judith Schiebel and together they had two children, David the II and Michelle. In 1974, David met Karen Jerrie and they were united in marriage on October 26 in Watertown, South Dakota. He became a bonus dad to Karen’s three children, Teri, Jerrie, and Kari and together they had Jeffery.

Throughout life, David was a consummate salesman. He knew how to make a sale no matter what he was selling. Cars, furniture, sewing machines and pool tables were just some of his ventures. During the 70’s, David owned The Hutchinson Sewing Center and with a friend, he brought to life “The Hutchinson Shopping Guide” which later became the “The Leader Shopper” still being published to this day. He also designed, manufactured, and sold (with a great deal of help from Karen) a metal detecting probe from the basement of their home.

David was a renaissance man. His interests were varied and many. Hunting, fishing, golfing, oil painting, metal detecting, wood working, playing guitar and a bit of dabbling on the accordion is just a short list of his interests. When David set his mind on doing something, he accomplished it with success. From home renovations to perfecting the recipe for his famous “Bog”, David knew how to do things just right.

Through the years, many family memories were made camping, swimming, and playing board games. Climbing mountains? The family did that, too, with David leading the way.

IN 2005, David and Karen retired and moved to Zwolle, Louisiana, where they created a beautiful home and found a community. They found friendship and support from neighbors and from Aimwell Baptist Church where David attended services with Karen.

David was preceded in death by his parents, William and Emma, his sisters Beverly Lund and Jan Dunham and beloved pet, Gumbo. He is survived by his wife Karen, and children, David Lee Jopp II (Aleisa), Teri Martin (Jay), Jerrie Prieve, Michelle Langlinais (Kevin), Kari Hamm (Matt), Jeffery Jopp (Katie), 30 grandchildren and great grandchildren, and a new beloved pet, Schnitzel.