Obit: Pophal, David D. (1953 – 2003)

Poster: Crystal Wendt

Email: Post4LincolnCoWi@aol.com

Surnames: Pophal, Nutter, Spleha, Young, Kleist, Mussell, Kleinschmidt, Knoll, Wojcik, King

---Source: Wausau Daily Herald, (Wausau, Marathon County, Wisconsin) Sat., Dec. 27, 2003

--- Pophal, David D. (15 June 1953 – 26 Dec. 2003)

David Pophal

David D. Pophal, 50, 903 Jefferson St., Merrill, died Friday, Dec. 26, 2003, at Good Samaritan Health Center, Merrill.

Arrangements are pending at Taylor and Stine Funeral Home, Merrill.

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David D. Pophal

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David D. Pophal, 50, of 903 Jefferson St., Merrill, died Friday, Dec. 26, 2003, at Good Samaritan Health Center, Merrill.

David was born June 15, 1953, in Merrill, son of the late Carl and Angeline (Nutter) Pophal Sr.

He married Trude Spleha on Jan. 23, 1982, in Merrill. She survives.

David served in the U.S. Army from April 1972 until his honorable discharge in April 1974. He was stationed in Germany, where he worked on the Pershing Missile project. David then served with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department for a total of 27 years. Most recently, he was a sergeant investigator with the department. David was a graduate of North Central Technical College in Wausau and had earned an associate degree in Police Science.

David's first love was spending time with his family, especially on their annual "out of state" vacations. He also enjoyed fishing, family genealogy, and his dog, Spike. David was a former member of the Merrill Jaycees and was currently a member of the American Legion and the Social and Sick Benevolent Society in Merrill.

Survivors besides his wife, Trude of Merrill, are three daughters, Carla Pophal, Northern Michigan University, and Michelle and Tracy, both at home in Merrill; one son, David M. Pophal, Merrill; four sisters, Margie Mae (Roger) Young, Neenah, Beverly (George) Kleist, Phyllis (Paul) Mussell and Judith (David) Kleinschmidt, all of Merrill; on brother, Carl (Audrey) Pophal, Jr., Merrill; one brother-in-law, Lawrence Knoll, Sr of Florida; his special niece, Jean Wojcik, along with many other nieces and nephews; and special family friend, Janice Kleinschmidt.

David is preceded in death by his mother on Dec. 24; two sisters, Betty Jane Knoll and Nancy Pophal; a brother Robert Pophal; and a nephew, Kenneth Knoll.

Both David's and his mother's funeral will be held jointly at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 29, 2003, at the First Presbyterian Church, Merrill. The Rev. Donald King will officiate. Immediately following the funeral services, burial for David will be in Merrill Memorial Park, with full military honors conducted by VFW Post 1638 of Merrill. Visitation for David and his mother will begin at 10 a.m. Monday at the church.

Serving as active pallbearers for David D. Pophal will be eight fellow officers from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be an assortment of law officers from throughout the state of Wisconsin.

Taylor and Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family. 715-536-6244