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Poppy, James D.

James D. Poppy, age 53, of Clintonville passed away Friday, March 6, 2015 at UW Hospital, Madison, after a lingering illness. 

James Dale Poppy was born on February 21, 1962 in Milwaukee to Clifford and Joann (Cupp) Poppy. Jim was raised and attended school in the New London area. He was united in marriage on November 14, 1980 to Kathleen M. Schmude at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New London. Jim worked on his father-in-law’s dairy farm for some time and later on he helped his brother-in-law farm. Then he was employed on the Paul Kirchner farm in the Town of Matteson, Waupaca County, serving as Paul’s right hand man for close to 16 years. He was a hard worker and always liked taking care of the animals and being outdoors. Jim is an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Clintonville where he served as a Church Elder, enjoyed the Book Club, and participated in Bible Study Groups. In his younger years, Jim liked going on fishing trips to Canada with his father. More recently, he loved spending time with his family and was able to share his deep faith with relatives and church friends. He was so proud of his four grandchildren and he was honored to be able to baptize his granddaughter, Emma. Jim will be remembered most as a devoted husband and a loving father and grandfather. 

Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Kathy; two children, Brian (Rebecca) Poppy of Omro and Elizabeth (Christopher “Wally”) Walentowski of Clintonville; and his mother, Joann Poppy of New London. There are four grandchildren, Madelynn, Vanessa, and Scarlett Poppy, and Emma Walentowski; and one more grandchild on the way. There are three sisters, Cindy (Gary) Otterson of Waupaca, Debbie Bruette of New London, and Judy (Greg) Struble of Waupaca. There are two brothers, Scott (special friend Stacy Sommer) Poppy of New London and Tom (Carrie) Poppy of Shiocton. He is further survived by an “adopted daughter”, Amanda Van Straten of Clintonville, his father and mother-in-law, Robert and Patricia Schmude of New London, five sisters-in-law, six brothers-in-law, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Jim is preceded in death by his father, Clifford. 

Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, March 10th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Clintonville with Rev. Titus Buelow officiating. Friends may call on Monday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Clintonville, and on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Paul Lutheran Church. The family wishes to thank all the doctors, nurses, and staff at University of Wisconsin Hospital, Madison, for providing Jim with excellent care and compassion.

 
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