Ferdinand John Kopp, III

Kopp, John, age 64, of Kettering, passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2020, at Miami Valley Hospital. In addition to his parents, Ferdinand and Anna Kopp, John was preceded in death by his sisters, Becky Schwab, Kathryn and her husband, Ron Hinch, and his fathers-in-law, Bert Myers and Don Bales. John leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 41 years, Alana Kopp; his son, FJ Kopp; sister, Margaret (Darrel) Baker; his mothers-in-law, Bobbie Bales and Judy Myers; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Steve Schwab, Lori Lee, Sherrie (Chuck) Stewart, William Myers and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

John was a great outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting for everything from critters to whitetails and he fished from Northern Canada to Florida and everywhere in between. He just enjoyed being out in the woods or on the water. But most of all, he enjoyed telling stories about his experiences to anyone who would listen, and he loved to listen to the hunting and fishing stories told by others. He particularly enjoyed spending time out there with his son, FJ. He also had a passion for gardening and looked forward to every Spring. He sometimes over did it with 3 gardens in 2 different counties.

He enjoyed being around kids and they loved him too. He was a great Santa Claus. He liked to share his knowledge of the outdoors with kids and others new to the sport and enjoyed teaching them about the finer points of the sport. He was also quick with a joke and loved to play practical jokes on his friends. Everyone he met became “his buddy”.

John began his working career at Clint’s Printing in Beavercreek, and then worked 20 years at Central Printing. He and 3 associates then started Venture Printing which was eventually sold to Hammer Graphics. He then began his career with Beavercreek schools, working as a sub at Ankeney Middle School. He moved to Ferguson Hall and then to Coy Middle School and Trebein Elementary School. He enjoyed working with children, staff and teachers and considered them all family. He often said, it wasn’t a job but more a pleasure. He loved interacting with everyone at the schools and often likedto pull pranks on the kids and teachers.

Prayers will be held at 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, January 8, 2020, at the Tobias Funeral Home-Far Hills Chapel, 5471 Far Hills Avenue at Rahn Road. Mass of Christian Burial 12:30 p.m Wednesday at The Church of the Ascension, 2025 Woodman Drive, Kettering, Ohio. The family will receive guests at the funeral home from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 7, 2020. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either the American Cancer Society or a charity of choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.