James Walter Poppe

James "Jim" Walter Poppe, 93, of Loveland, CO, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025. Born into a loving family in 1931 in Makoti, ND, Jim grew up during the Great Depression, learning resilience and community through a childhood filled with hard work and simple joys.

His early years were marked by vivid memories: sharing food with passing Gypsies, battling plagues of morman crickets and picking choke cherries illegally on a Native American reservation (they settled up before leaving) for his mother's beloved jelly. The family's farm life was challenged by drought and dust storms, leading them to relocate to Spokane, WA and later to Minnesota to take over a family farm.

There, Jim thrived enjoyed church activities, 4-H, and high school adventures amidst wartime rationing. After graduating, he explored opportunities in Los Angeles, driving new cars across the country and hitchhiking to visit cousins in Oakland.

On December 7, 1941, Jim enlisted in the Army Security Agency, serving with dedication during the Korean War era. Prior to being stationed in Okinawa, he married Audrey Munsterman. After his service, he utilized the GI Bill to train in printing, launching a successful career that took him from a small newspaper in Appleton, MN to managing operations at the Greeley Tribune in Colorado. This was a busy time in Jim's life being a Sunday School teacher, church officer, member of Rotary Club, Elks, Toastmasters, counseling at a youth camp and boy scout leader. He later purchased the commercial printing department, running Greeley Printing Co. with pride. Jim's first marriage of over 30 years brought three children and many cherished moment, though it ended in divorce. He faced this challenge with introspection, participating in a divorce seminar and dedicating a year to personal growth, including volunteering at Holden Village and working on a hiking trail in Colorado. During this time, he met Chieko, a strong and independent woman who, in 1989, became his partner in a joyful second marriage. Together, they built a life in California, Washington and finally back in Colorado, filled with love, travel and community.

Diagnosed with cancer in recent years, Jim faced his illness with an "Attitude of Gratitude", a motto that defined his 93 years.

He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, service, and faith, survived by his devoted wife, Chieko; children, Brent (Lisa) Poppe, Cynthia Poppe and Paul (Lana) Poppe; step-children, Kathy Bloom and Chris (Kay) Bloom; granddaughter, Danyelle Poppe; great-grandchildren, Colton Schwartz and Abby Lundy; step-grandsons, Bryce Schwarz and Dakota (Mackenzie) Serrette; step-granddaughters, Sophia Bloom and Sierra Serrette and step-great-grandson, Atlas Serrette, as well as a wide circle of family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Poppe, mother, Hilda Poppe, sister, Donna (Poppe) Nibbe, brother, Donald "Bud" Poppe and granddaughter, Andrea (Poppe) Hoerner.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Zion community, especially Amy, for their prayers and support. Jim's journey was one of resilience, love and gratitude, and he now rests in eternal peace.

A Celebration of Jim's Life will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Loveland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 815 E. 16th St., Loveland, CO 80538.