Obituaries

John R. Kopp, 79, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at Geisinger Medical Center, surrounded by his family.

John was born January 3, 1944, in Dauphin County, a son of the late Roy G. and Alma (Wolgemuth) Kopp. On May 7, 1966, he married his beloved sweetheart, Linda Haldeman. Linda ‘s passing in 2022 broke a marital union of 55-1/2 years.

John bravely fought to overcome significant health issues in his later years. He was convinced that the Lord kept him here to help care for his beloved wife, Linda, in her battle with ALS. John could make conversation with anyone he met and was an inspiration to many. He loved the Lord, and genuinely cared for people. For over 50 years, John and Linda attended Sunbury Bible Church, where he served as deacon and elder. He also served on the board for Sunbury Christian Academy. He had a tender heart for those in need, and faithfully supported various ministries; Sunbury Bible Church youth ministries and Sunbury Christian Academy held special places in his heart.

John was a 1961 graduate of Donegal High School, Mount Joy. In 1971, John and Linda settled and began farming in the Sunbury area. Throughout his life, John served on the Northumberland County Farm Bureau, and was a Lower Augusta Township Supervisor, Lower Augusta Township Zoning Hearing Board member, and board member of the Northumberland County Conservation District.

A lifelong farmer, John had a dairy operation for 24 years. He enjoyed working hard to plant and harvest the land God had given him. In his later years, John filled his days with bus trips with Linda, visiting with friends, playing card games with Linda and friends, helping his son on the farm, mowing grass, watching his grandchildren perform in various school and extracurricular activities, and solving Sudoku and jigsaw puzzles. John was a lifelong music enthusiast, and especially enjoyed southern gospel music.

Surviving is one daughter, Kimberly Stuck (Jeffrey) of Northumberland and two sons: Gordon Kopp (Jennifer) of Sunbury and Justin Kopp (Janel) of Winfield. John is also survived by his grandchildren: Jessalyn Hausler (Joshua), Jedadiah Stuck, Jenna Stuck, Isabella Kopp, Gabriell Kopp, Everett Kopp, Dylan Kopp, and great-grandson Knox Hausler. Also surviving are siblings Nancy Martin (Galen) and Jay Kopp (Lucille), and many in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Gabryella Kopp.

A service to celebrate and honor John’s life is scheduled for Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Sunbury Bible Church, 135 Spruce Hollow Rd., Northumberland at 11:00 AM. Family visitation begins at 9:30 AM– 10:45 AM.

Contributions in John’s memory can be made to Samaritan’s Purse International Relief https://www.samaritanspurse.org/ or KeysConnections https://www.keysconnections.org.

The family would like to thank the Cardiac and LVAD teams of Hershey Medical Center and Geisinger Medical Center for their exceptional care. In addition, the family is grateful for the prayers and support of friends and loved ones during this time.