Alex Popp

Alex was a resident of Anderson, California.

While it is impossible to capture the full depth of Alex Popp’s beautiful 90 years of life in just a few words, we can honor the incredible legacy he leaves behind. Alex was born on May 4, 1936, in Lorain, Ohio, to Barbara and Alex Popp. Growing up on the family farm, he learned the value of hard work early on—whether he was cleaning chicken coops or helping make sausage. He loved to jokingly reminisce about walking to school barefoot, uphill both ways in the snow. Family was everything to Alex; he grew up on the very same street as his aunts and uncles, filling his childhood with fond memories. He also carried a rich history, often sharing how his grandparents immigrated to America from Hungary aboard the RMS Carpathia—the famous ship that rescued survivors of the Titanic.

Later in his youth, Alex’s family relocated to Glendale, California, before settling into a home on O’Melveny Street in Pacoima. As a young boy, Alex was always industrious, delivering newspapers and working at Wendell’s Chicken House in San Fernando. These years were filled with cherished family moments, like gathering at Aunt Mary’s for her famous spaghetti, and looking up to his great-great-grandmother Puskas, who lived to be 100 years old.

The true turning point in Alex’s life came when he was working at Kiddyland and met the absolute love of his life, Kathleen Faye McElrone. The moment love struck his heart, her beauty was forever etched in his mind; even decades later, he could describe exactly what she was wearing down to the very last detail. Though Alex had left high school in the 11th grade to help support his mother, meeting Kathleen changed his path. To earn the respect of her parents, Willis and Agnes McElrone, and win her hand in marriage, he proudly returned to school to finish his diploma.

On November 5, 1955, Alex and Kathy were married at St. Genevieve’s Catholic Church in Panorama City, California. As faithful children of God, their marriage was deeply blessed by the Lord Jesus Christ. They shared a beautiful, devoted 65 years together until Kathleen was called home to our Heavenly Father on May 4, 2020. In a touching twist of fate, May 4 was not only Alex's birthday and the day he lost his beloved wife, but also the day their great-granddaughter, Sophie, was born. Alex adored Kathleen with all his heart, and they are now peacefully reunited.

Alex and Kathy were blessed with a large, beautiful family, raising six children: Cheryl Marlene, Wendie Ann, Debra Lynn, Kelley David, Kerri Sue, and Craig Steven. Alex and Kathy faced their first heart wrenching event, at the loss of their sweet angel, daughter Kerri Sue after 7 hours of life and Alex kissed her grave and wept every time he visited her. Over the years, their love expanded to welcome 11 grandchildren (Michael, Brandy, Cheryl, Crystal, Trevor, Brandon, Mark, Alex, Emily, Jason, and Renee), 25 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren, with two precious new ones on the way. Family was the ultimate cornerstone of Alex’s life. He didn't just love his children and grandchildren; he formed deep, genuine friendships with their spouses and extended families, making everyone feel uniquely valued and included.

His sisters, Betty and Ethel, held a profound admiration and respect for Alex, who was always fiercely supportive of them and their families. He leaves behind five nephews (Rick, Randy, Vince, Mitch, and Tim), one great-nephew, one great-niece, and three great-great-nephews. To his sister Betty, Alex wasn't just a brother—he was her best friend. Together, Betty and Ethel shared countless fond memories of growing up alongside a brother who possessed a true heart of gold. Alex enjoyed a close relationship with Kathy’s brother, Greg they loved working on cars together, and in 1962 they build a Stock Car together and raced it at Saugus Speedway. Uncle Greg will be remembered as the “cool” Uncle.

Alex was a loyal friend to all who crossed his path, consistently going above and beyond to help anyone in need, earning him a lifetime of deep love and respect from everyone he touched.

Alex’s professional life was a testament to his incredible work ethic and skill. He began his career welding alongside his father before taking a position at Bowles. Driven and talented, he became an expert welder and successfully went into business for himself, owning Medallion Truck Body Works. He was so innovative in his trade that a book was eventually published highlighting his specialized techniques and business success.

In 1978, Alex sold his business, and the family moved to Happy Valley on Treat Avenue. There, Kathy designed a beautiful custom home, which Alex built in 1979, with his own two hands, complete with kitchen and bathroom cabinets crafted by Kathy’s father, Willis "Gump." This home became a sacred anchor for the entire Popp family; at one time or another, nearly all of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, lived under its roof. It was universally known as the best place on earth, simply because it was where Grandma and Grandpa lived. Later in life, Alex worked for Tydrill

and ultimately wrapped up his long, dedicated career at Sierra Pacific, where he finally enjoyed a well-deserved retirement.

Alex was a man who truly lived for his family and the activities that brought them together. Some of his family's most cherished memories were made outdoors, camping and fishing at Shaver Lake, Green Lake, Medicine Lake, and Hat Creek. There, Alex would fry up fresh trout, bass, and catfish for everyone before wrapping up the night sharing spooky stories around the campfire.

An avid sportsman and competitor, Alex loved bowling—earning numerous championship trophies—as well as golfing, playing poker, and dancing. He had a passion for racing stock cars, and his children fondly remember spending Saturday nights attending the Stock Care Races, with him at the Saugus Speedway. He was also a loyal sports fan, always cheering on the Dodgers and the Rams.

Above all, Alex poured his time into his children and grandchildren. He never missed a chance to support them, whether he was attending football, baseball, wrestling, hockey, and rodeo events with his sons and grandsons, or cheering at Glee Club performances, drill team shows, and cheerleading events with his daughters and granddaughters. He created lasting memories through simple, meaningful moments: reading Tom Sawyer aloud, taking the family on Sunday drives, going to the drive-in movies, and hosting gatherings filled with great home-cooked meals.

Music was another great joy in Alex’s life. He loved visiting the Palomino and attending concerts, especially seeing country legends like Merle Haggard and George Jones, listening to the Oldies, and attending a memorable CCR concert. He even took his whole family to see the Beach Boys in Redding. In his later years, he loved nothing more than taking trips to the casino, sharing laughs and making memories alongside his beloved wife and family.

Alex lived a remarkably full life, defined by an extraordinary 90-year legacy of unconditional love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to his family. Alongside his beloved wife, Kathy, he traveled across America and into Canada in their fifth-wheel trailer, creating unforgettable memories and encouraging his family to explore the world just as they did. They truly cherished the moments they could bring their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren along for the ride.

To his family, Alex was an anchor. Best known for his mental toughness, exemplary work ethic, and fierce support, he was always there when it mattered most. Whether he was fixing a car, helping someone move, or offering tough love and wise advice, Alex always found a way. He had a rare gift for making every single person feel special and valued, leaving behind moments that will be treasured forever.

Alex loved nothing more than laughing, telling jokes, and bringing people together. At his recent 90th birthday celebration, surrounded by the family he adored, he danced with his daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters. He shared laughter with his grandsons and great-grandsons, spent precious time with his great-great-grandchildren, and celebrated alongside his sister, Betty, and his nephew and niece, Rick and Sue. His speech of gratitude and joy that day bound the family together in an unforgettable moment of pure happiness.

While it is impossible to capture all 90 years of his extraordinary journey, Alex leaves behind a profound legacy as a devoted son, husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. We take comfort in knowing that our Father is now in Heaven, reunited with our Mother—the best place to be.