Robert J. Poppe, 85, of 00987 Deep Cut Road, Spencerville, Ohio, died suddenly at 3:25 A.M. Monday, August 2, 2010, at his residence following an apparent heart attack.

He was born June 16, 1925, in New Knoxville, Ohio, the son of Simpson and Ella (Wierwille) Poppe.

He married Norma Whetstone on April 3, 1955; she survives at the residence.

He is also survived by his five children: David Poppe of Minster; Linda (Harry) Bienert of Spencerville; Ned Poppe of Spencerville; Dixie (Mike) Durkee of Saint Marys; Todd (Lori) Poppe of Saint Marys; by four grandchildren: Jason, Andrew and Nick Durkee; Dara Bienert; by a sister, Dorothy Levihn of Indianapolis, Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Henry, Willis and Roland Poppe; by one granddaughter, Jaralyn Bienert.

Robert grew up in New Knoxville and attended school there.

He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre during WWII. He was a retired carpenter who had worked for the John Holtzapple Construction Company. He was also a farmer.

He was a member of American Legion Post 444 in New Knoxville. He was a member of Wayne Street United Methodist Church in Saint Marys but also attended Trinity United Methodist Church in Spencerville. He loved fishing and farming.

Funeral rites will be held 10:30 A.M. Friday, August 6, 2010, at the Miller-Long and Folk Funeral Home, 314 West High Street, Saint Marys, the Reverend Jan Johnson, officiating. Burial, with military honors provided by American Legion Post 444, will follow at Pilger Ruhe Cemetery in New Knoxville.

Friends may call from 4-8 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home, where memorial donations may be directed to Auglaize Industries.