Ronald “Ron” Michael Kopp, age 56, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on February 16, 2014, in Helena, Montana. Ron resided with his wife Carrie of 30 years in the Helena valley. Ron was born on September 9, 1957 to John and Edith (Bonner) Kopp in Anaconda, Montana. Ron attended schools in Anaconda. Ron went into the service directly out of high school in 1975 and was honorably discharged in 1981. Ron went to work for the BA&P Railroad and then later with the Anaconda Company in Tooele, Utah. He eventually returned to Anaconda and went to work for Warms Springs State Hospital for 24 years. He recently worked for the Helena Ice Company until his death.
Ron married Linda Chase and they later divorced. Ron and Linda produced two children of their marriage. Ron later met and married Carrie Keele. Ron and Carrie produced one child.
Ron loved to fish and spend time with his animals, friends and family. Ron loved to spend time barbequing and watching his beloved Kansas City Chiefs. Ron is now spending time with his best friend Rooley (his golden retriever), he will be dearly missed by all his family and friends.
Ron was preceded in his death by his mother and father, John and Edith Kopp, and his brother David and sister Patty.
Ron is survived by his wife, Carrie;brothers Bill (Cheryl) and John (Lori). Children: Amy Keele, Ronnie (Jolene) Kopp, Carissa Kopp, and Greg (Katie) Kopp; Numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Good friend Mark Wilson.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, February 21, 2014 at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A social gathering celebrating Ron’s life will follow the graveside service at Howard’s pizza, 625 Euclid. In lieu of flowers please send donations in Ron’s name to: Wounded Warrior Project by visiting www.woundedwarriorproject.org and Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604. To offer a condolence to the family or share a memory of Ron please visit below.
Rick Massey says
I worked with Ron at mt. st. Hospital for several years. He was a great guy to work with. He was always there when you needed him. He had a great since of humor and could always make you laugh. I will Miss you Ron. you are one of the best person I ever worked with.
robert ryan says
I worked with ron for several years on the same unit at MSH. Ron was a caring & compassionate staff member and we all new that when ron was there everybody was going to have a better day. Me and ron had super bowl bet, he won the bet and i owed him lunch. i was in helena feb 11th and i called him to visit and buy him is lunch but got his voice mail ,and when he called back i was leaving helena but offered to turn around for lunch. Ron said weather was getting worse, wind blowing and that i needed to get back home before weather got any worse, but would collect on bet another day. Ron was a good man and friend. R.I.P
Cal Trainor says
I had the blessing to work with Ron at the ST Hospital, he was a great guy who made a long day into a short one, I cant say how many times he had me laughing. We use to give each other a bad time about his team the Chiefs and mine the Rams. We all could depend on him if he was needed. Truely a great guy who will be sorely missed.
Patti Kaye Boggess says
I had the pleasure of working both Night Shift and Dayshift w/ Ron. My daughter (Jamie) used to babysit Ron and Carrie’s kids between shifts. He and Bob were on My SuperBowl board. I have many great memories of working together. We had a great crew and Ron was wonderful to work w/. I hope one day he can help Kansas City win something. I hope there was a nice big water fight welcoming him to heaven. He was a great friend and a great co-worker. Carrie, i am so sorry for you and your family.
Mary Andreoli says
It is with a heavy heart that I write this. I worked with Ron and Carrie at the State Hospital and love them both. We had such fun together and have some great memories. Ron was such a gentle man, kind, caring, compassionate and a true friend. Even though we haven’t seen each other for years, I will miss him! All my love and sympathy to Carrie and their children, and my deepest sympathy to John and the rest of the family. Please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many people. May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Kenny Peterson says
I met Ronnie when I was in fourth grade at Lincoln School, he was a tough Anaconda kid . But if he became your friend, you had a friend for life. Some of the best memories in my childhood were with that gentleman. We later cross paths at the springs . He still had the Anaconda Kid in him but there was a kinder and gentler person present too. MY condolence to Carrie and her family for their lost. He will be missed by those he touched in his life. R.I.P MY FRIEND !
Ikie Thompson says
I am sad and shocked to hear about Ron. i worked with Ron at MSH and he was a kind, caring person. Carrie I am so very sorry for you and your Family, You are in my thoughts and prayers !
Ed Kriskovich says
Carrie
To you and your family our deepest heartfelt sympathy and prayers in your time of need.
Hoping I can make it to Ron’s service on Friday. We are thinking of you all .Our love to all the family.
Ed and Colleen Kriskovich
Emelia McEwem says
Ronnie was my first cousin. I have many fond childhood memories of Ronnie when I was a child. My sister Margie and I enjoyed many moments of laughter with Ronnie. He was just a gentle kind person and he could make us laugh. I wish we all stayed intouch. Life has away of keeping family apart. I am sad because we never got the opportunity to get to spend time with Ronnie and his family. Carrie, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
love
Emelia
Wally and Terri Schafer says
We worked together for many years,you could always count on Ronnie Koop,when you needed him most.Carrie,kids,John&Laurie we are sorry for your loss,you are in our thoughts.
edward salle says
Well I grew up with john kopp and ron and his whole family had some real good times and Edith their mom was like a second mom to me when I got in trouble to my buddy johns house I would go …lol we were just punks and ron would make sure we knew that I have lived here in helena for 23years and cannot believe I have never ran into ron j it st want the family to know he was a good man god speed.
Ron Sanders says
I bumped into Ron at Montana State Hospital, literally. Ron was pulling out from a parking space from the curb, while I was driving up the street n front of the Warren Building. The streets were icy and we collided. Ron thought he was in the right, but later conceded that I had the right of way. He was happy when he later found out that it would not cost him anything to repair my truck, as I had been collecting parts cars for a while, in hopes of having Henry Hislop, the Auto Shop Teacher at the hospital and his clients to restore my 64 El Camino. We later worked together on the Forensic Units at Warm Spring. Ron was a great friend and co worker who always had your back. See you on the other side.
Denise Feller says
I didn’t know Ron except through Carrie while working with her. I am so sorry, Carrie. My prayers are with you and your family.
paul draper says
I am so shock and sad to about sr. He was a good,kind hearted man. I used to work with him at the ice house in east helena and he was fun to work with and fun to talk to expecailly about football cause he liked the chiefs and my jacksonville .I will truly miss him and he will be truly miss by his friends and
paul draper says
And his family. R.I.P. good buddy
paul draper says
You will be missed so very much.R.I.P sr . Your friend lisa
Carissa kopp says
Well dad I never had a chance to read what all these people had to say. You were such a good father one who is truly missed. My heart is still broken after all these years, however I want you to know I am finally sober and got my life together you would be so proud of me Dad I love you and miss you every day.