Bruce J. Poppen

On Thursday, March 2, 2023, Bruce Poppen, went to be with his Lord and Savior at the age of 90. He is survived by his wife, Judy Poppen; children Jeff (Deb) Poppen (Jared and Brittany), Sue (Matthew) Von Maszewski (Audrey and Adam), Mary Poppen Walldorff (Christian); Judy’s children Amy (David) White (Remington, Weston and Samantha); Judy’s grandchildren Ryan (Sandra) Tracey and Sarah Tracey and her children Chloe, Reid, Lauren, and Tessa; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Bruce Poppen was known for his expertise, charisma, style, humor, and integrity. He began his entrepreneurial endeavors when, in the 1950s, he opened a sailboat rental business on the shores of Lake Macatawa. From there, he manufactured and distributed tools out of his home, providing those tools to local factories. After marrying and starting a family in 1960, he got a job working in downtown Grand Rapids at the Michigan National Bank Building buying and reselling bulk mortgages, eventually leading to a career in commercial real estate development. Always wanting to live in the country, he built a home deep in the woods off East Paris and, in 1968, moved his family from the suburbs into the country. In the late 1960s, he and longtime friend and business associate John Gilmore, were pioneers in building and owning a mall known as the Ada Shoppers Square in what is now the heart of downtown Ada. This mall included, among other stores, an IGA grocery store, Texaco, and a Dog-n-Suds. He also developed and owned the Gaslight Village mall located in downtown East Grand Rapids, along with two other business partners, John Gilmore and Joe Martin. Selling, buying, developing, and “doing deals” became his passion. He eventually opened up his own appraisal company in the early 1970s. In 1978, he was the first to begin the revitalization of the Heartside District in Grand Rapids, Michigan when he purchased the five story Gunn Company building located at 7 Ionia SW. He, along with his son Jeff, rehabbed the building into retail and office space. Bruce set up his commercial appraisal company, Poppen and Mackie, which eventually became Poppen and Associates. During this time, he earned the designation of MAI appraiser, was elected president of the Appraisal Institute, and taught real estate appraisal at colleges in Michigan and Indiana. His vast knowledge and experience in the "valuation" of real estate led him to many consultations even after retirement.

Details for celebrations of Bruce’s life will be provided later on Facebook or you may contact the family directly. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Grand Village Assisted Living and Memory Care and Corsocare for their loving care of Bruce. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.