Dale Wendell Lopus, 83, of Romeo/Bruce Township since 1969 and Elk Rapids since 1990, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020 at the Munson Hospice House in Traverse City. He was born March 24, 1937 in Detroit, the son of Joseph and Sonia (Heisko) Lopus. He wed “the “Love of My Life,” Judith Ann Gass, at the First Congregational Church in Romeo on Aug. 5, 1961.
Dale graduated from Dearborn High School, received his undergraduate degree at Michigan State University, majoring in education, and earned his master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University, majoring in history. He taught two years in the Lake Orion School District, then taught for 32 years in the Utica Community School District until his retirement in 1994. While teaching in Utica, he also taught American and European history at Macomb County Community College. He loved the Detroit Hill Bunch…”GO GET EM BUNCH.” He also enjoyed coaching Romeo girls’ summer softball, including their all-star team for several years. He was fond of old western movies, especially anything about The Lone Ranger. Dale loved history and traveled with Judy and his kids during the summer visiting national parks, historical landmarks, amusement parks and other interesting sites; eventually visiting all 50 states. He and his family were long time members of the First Congregational Church in Romeo, and he and Judy have attended the Presbyterian Church in Elk Rapids for the past 30 years. Dale was an avid collector of political memorabilia. He always held President Jimmy Carter in high esteem, often traveling to Plaines, Georgia to listen to him speak as a member of the Carter Club. Dale and Judy met and spoke with the Carters on many occasions. He found it amusing to tell various presidential jokes to his grandchildren… or anyone else.
Dale is survived by his wife of 59 years, Judy; children, Greg Lopus, Geof (Kate) Lopus and Laura (Greg) Gourlay; grandchildren, Harrison “Buck” Gourlay, Gabrielle “Lil Sis” Gourlay, Logan Lopus and William Lopus; and younger brother, Lyle (Jane) Lopus of Berkeley, California.
Visitation will take place 4-8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14 and 2-8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 15 at the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home, Romeo.
Funeral services will take place 1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 16 at the funeral home.
A memorial gathering will also take place 12:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 25 at the First Presbyterian Church in Elk Rapids.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Samaritan House in Romeo-Washington or the First Congregational Church in Romeo would be greatly appreciated.
