Daniel Stuart Bopp

Daniel Stuart Bopp, 72, of Bloomington, passed away on Friday, June 28, ending a profound life journey taken by a one-of-a-kind man. Dan’s life was uniquely his, directed and conducted in the way he wanted, yet never selfishly so. Those who knew him were lucky to share in the diverse, rich experiences he shaped with uncommon creativity, finely-honed wit, and authentic compassion. Born on December 21, 1946 in Clayton, MO to Orville Bopp and Evelyn (Vulbrock) Bopp, Dan’s early years were centered in Kirkwood, MO, where he attended Lutheran High School South. Moving on, Dan matriculated at Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, IN, where he studied economics. Following graduation from college, Dan began a lifelong pursuit in the field of education, returning home to Kirkwood where he taught at his alma mater. It was not long before Dan returned to Indiana, however, settling in Bloomington, his home for many years to come, and earning a Master of Science in Education degree in 1975. Professionally, Dan spent his first two decades in Bloomington as an English teacher across the Monroe County school system, most frequently at Bloomington High School North. His reputation for enforcing the rules of the English language (often in a characteristically whimsical way, of course) preceded him, during his teaching years and after – as his family would come to know for many years, former students and colleagues were quick to remember Mr. Bopp, always fondly even if begrudgingly so. Boldly changing direction in the middle of his professional life, Dan decided to pursue a career in the legal field. Finding familiarity in the structure and application of the law (which, in this way, he found a pleasant analog to the English language), Dan completed his Juris Doctorate degree from Indiana University Bloomington in 1992, graduating magna cum laude. He went on to success as an attorney, clerking for the Indiana Supreme Court and then spending several years in the Monroe County Public Defender’s and Prosecutor’s offices. Fittingly, Dan took one more career turn, returning to education and joining the Indiana University School of Continuing Studies as an Administrator, and was instrumental in shaping distance-based degree programs for both high school and college students. Concurrently, he also wrote and taught English courses through these programs, carrying on a role he had played through IU for many years and would continue until his passing. Personal interests and endeavors of Dan were varied, purposeful, and sometimes quirky. Though too numerous to list these in full, he held a deep passion for running, reading, and writing, but could often be found intensely engaged in a range of creative projects: gardening and “do-it-yourself” style construction to name a few. At the same time, he found joy in spontaneous activities, spending time outdoors where he would search for and gather various natural objects that caught his eye; rocks, fossils, and beach glass were particular favorites. He was also a dedicated fan to the iconic sports teams of his original and adopted hometowns, the St. Louis Cardinals and Indiana Hoosiers. Beyond what he accomplished and did, those who knew Dan will remember him for who he was: a man of deep passion and sharp intellect that could be just as well directed towards profound thought or casual practical humor, always with characteristic modesty and kindness. With this, he moved many friends and acquaintances in his personal life, and was married, briefly, to Mary Ann Hope and, for 20 years, Mary Strow of Bloomington with whom he had a son. He is survived by his son Aaron Bopp of Bend, OR, his father and step mother Orville and Sandy Bopp of Arvada, CO, and his sister Muriel Root of Sunnyvale, CA. He was preceded in death by his mother Evelyn (Vulbrock) Bopp. An informal celebration of Dan’s life will be held at the University Club of the Indiana Memorial Union on Saturday, July 6th at 3:00pm, with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Middle Way House of Bloomington, IN or the Environmental Defense Fund of New York, NY.