Alferd's Funeral Service Video

Click on this link to watch Alferd's Memorial Video: Memorial Video

Alferd Lee Poppe of Bear Creek, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at the age of 96 years and 8 months. Alferd was born on January 20, 1928 in the township of Dupont, in Waupaca County, to the late Herbert and Irma (Pribbernow) Poppe. He was baptized at South Dupont and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Bear Creek.

When Alferd was five years old, his family moved to Bear Creek where he attended the eight room school house, Clover Lawn, which was adjacent to the home farm. He also attended Bear Creek High School and then the University of Madison for a farming course. Alferd was drafted into the Army in 1954 and was sent to serve in Germany. Upon returning to the states, he purchased a farm in Bear Creek.

Alferd Married Sharon Wetzel in 1964 at Grace Lutheran Church, gaining both a wife and a daughter, Melissa. They went on to bring three more children into their family; Allen, Paul and Steven. Alferd farmed until 1991. He and Sharon then relocated to New London, where he worked maintenance at Walmart in Appleton until he retired. Alferd also held many offices at Grace Lutheran Church, and was a school board president of the Clintonville School District. He belonged to the Bear Creek Lions Club for over 50 years and was a member of VFW and various other organizations. In his free time, Alferd enjoyed gardening, reading, crossword puzzles, shooting darts, bowling, traveling and singing. He remained in good health until recent days, and passed away peacefully surrounded by family.

Alferd is survived by his daughter, Melissa of Clintonville; his sons, Allen Poppe (Becky) of Bear Creek, Paul Poppe (Janice) of Monroe, and Steven (Rachel) Poppe of Mosinee; grandchildren, Nicole (Cory Smith), Cody (Karley), Angelina, Beth, Matthew and Danielle Whipple, Katie (Ryan Chrisco), Ella, Anna and Mica; great grandchildren; Cory, April, Anthony, Christopher, Austin, Jasper, Taleigha, Juniper, Harper, and Haylee; his sister, Ardys (Darryl); brother in-law, Marvin Pethke; and many nieces and nephews.

Alferd was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon; his parents, Herbert and Irma; his granddaughter, Jessica Poppe; and great granddaughter, Paisley Poppe. He was further preceded in death by his siblings, Ruben Poppe, June Pethke, Ruth Handrich, and Arleen Poppe; sister in-law, Arwyn Poppe; and brother in-law, Bill Handrich.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Washington Center, St. Joseph's Residence and Compassus Hospice for their special care and the love they gave to Alferd in his final days.

The funeral service for Alferd will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Grace Lutheran Church in Bear Creek, with Rev. Aric Fenske officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 9:00 a.m., until the time of service. Burial will be in Danish Cemetery, Bear Creek, where full military rights will be held.