John M. Kopp

John Kopp passed away Thursday, May 8, at Hurley Medical Center. John was born March 9, 1944, in Ostrovo, Germany, the youngest of three children of Johan and Edith (Mierisch) Kopp. The family immigrated to the U.S. in 1953, settling first in Bay City, MI, then in Oscoda, where they owned and operated a bakery. John held degrees from Oscoda HS, CMU, and Wayne State Law School. John married Marilyn Schwartz Kaberle in 1976 and they ran several businesses over the years, with John spending the past 27 years operating a scrap metal yard in Flint. John has been described by friends as a “Renaissance Man” who loved philosophy, classical music, art, antiques, books, and most of all, his wife, daughters, grandchildren and dogs, Buggs and Bunnie. He was active in the Greater Flint Arts Council and the Shakespeare Club, was a fervent supporter of the Flint Institute of Arts, and a member of Temple Beth El. John is survived by his wife of 38 years, Marilyn (Schwartz) Kopp, four daughters: Katherine (Paul) Rotolo of Atlanta, GA, Johnnie “Mandy” Kaberle of Alexandria, VA, Kirsten (Donnie) Evans of Flint, and Romy (Marlin) Carlson of Overland Park, KS, and six grandchildren: Mark, Natalie and Olivia Rotolo, and Payton, Tristan and Marlena Carlson, as well as several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Sunday, May 11, at 11 a.m. at Temple Beth El, 5150 Calkins Rd., Flint. Friends and family will gather at the home of Mark and Kay Schwartz, 1241 Bonnie Sue Dr., Flushing, at 5 pm Sunday. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the Flint Institute of Arts, Paws Rescue, or a charity of your choice. The family thanks the family and the many friends, as well as the staff at Hurley Medical Center’s ICU who gave support and encouragement during John’s illness. Share your condolences with the family at www.brownfh.com.