Paul Jeffrey Stopka

Paul was born June 15th, 1952 in Minneapolis, MN to Paul and Erdie Stopka. He married his first love, Peggy, in 1976. After moving to Mesa, AZ, he began working in the pest control industry and had run Home Pest Control since 1987. He held various other positions in transportation and the real estate industry and will be memorialized by his good friend continuing to grow his business today. Paul was a loving father to his four children, an active member in his community, and an elder in the church. He loved traveling, writing songs, playing guitar, cooking, hiking, gardening, golfing, playing Scrabble, Jeopardy, and studying his family’s genealogy. Paul was proud of his 37 years clean and sober, crediting AA for giving him the strength to live a day at a time for his kids and be an inspiration to others around him. Being married four times, he treasured love and family more than anything in this world. He loved deeply in every facet of his life and will be missed greatly, as many people loved him.

In 2016, Paul was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis and stage three thymoma cancer. After surviving cancer and learning to live with MG, he was diagnosed with COPD in 2018, and struggled with complications from diabetes and pneumonia. Despite the failing of his body, Paul’s spirit, heart, and mind never gave up. “Strong like bull”, he’d say. He kept living life on life’s terms, one day at a time.

Paul is survived by siblings Gerry and Theresa of MN, children Elizabeth and Joseph of MN, Emily and Samuel of AZ. He is preceded in death by sister Mary and uncle John of MN.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10am MST on Saturday, August 3rd at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 2244 W Keating Ave in Mesa, AZ. Bishop Cooley of Dobson Ward will officiate the ceremony, with his children offering personal tributes in both word and song. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Paul’s life, and encouraged to spend time visiting and remembering him after the service.

Flowers and condolences may be sent to 1764 W Nido Ave in Mesa.