Paul Monroe Ropp

Paul Monroe Ropp, 89, peacefully passed from this life to be with Jesus on October 13, 2023, at Hawthorne Village in Sarasota, FL. Born on April 28, 1934 in Kalona, Iowa, Paul was the tenth of eleven children born to Solomon and Vesta Ropp. Paul attended Iowa Mennonite School followed by two years of 1-W service in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Paul met his wife, Marlene Schrock, in 1962 while she was employed by Paul as a waitress at the Kalonial Townhouse Restaurant, and they were married on July 17, 1964. Paul owned and operated the Kalonial Townhouse restaurant from 1958-1968. After Paul and Marlene moved to Sarasota, Florida in 1971, he started and operated a carpet cleaning business for several years; he later purchased an apartment complex which he owned and operated from 1977-1999. While living in Iowa Paul earned his pilot’s license and enjoyed flying his small plane with family and friends. He loved being outdoors, and later in life he enjoyed spending time at their summer home in Whittier, North Carolina where they welcomed many visitors throughout the years. If he wasn’t out mowing on the side of the mountain, chances are you would find him deep in conversation with a neighbor or visitor. Paul was a member of Bayshore Mennonite Church. He and Marlene were involved with various activities and groups within the church from the time they moved to Sarasota. Paul will be remembered for his love for his family, his love of North Carolina, his childhood stories, and his dry sense of humor. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 59 years, Marlene, his children Renee (Brian) Yoder, Sarasota, FL; Michelle (Keith) Jensen, Sarasota, FL; Stacey Ropp, Sarasota, FL; 9 grandchildren: Joshua Jensen, Anikka Jensen, Jaedon Jensen, Alyse (David) Book, Kara Yoder, David Ropp, Jonathan Ropp, Hannah Ropp, and Josiah Ropp. Preceding Paul in death were his parents, six brothers: Herman, John, Leroy, Emil, Wesley, and Morris Ropp, and four sisters: Cleora Yoder, Anna Mae Miller, Cora Miller, and Norma Nisly. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tidewell Hospice. A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, December 18, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Bethel Mennonite Church pavilion. 2985 Bethel Ln., Sarasota, FL 34240.

Paul Monroe Ropp

April 28, 1934 - October 13, 2023