He was born on December 3, 1936 in Alpena, to the late Ralph and Gladys (Edgley) Stoppa.
On October 18, 1958 he married Bette Jane Wekwert at St. Mary”s Church in Alpena.
Vernon was a respected Michigan State Police Officer for 27 years. During that time, he raised 7 children and tended to a small fruit orchard. After retiring he spent time as a driver for two local car dealerships, traveling throughout the state, taking in the sights and forming new friendships while delivering cars.
Vernon enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, boating, and golfing. He took pride in maintaining his fruit orchard, garden, and yard, spending numerous hours on his revered John Deere tractor, mowing to his hearts’ content.
Vernon treasured time spent with family and friends. Family road trips, camping and vacationing on Thunder Bay were special activities, as well as playing cards and socializing with close friends. Vernon was very friendly, much like his father and brother, and especially loved talking and sharing stories with anyone who would lend an ear.
Vernon is preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Gladys (Edgley) Stoppa, in-laws Philip and Anna (Smolinski) Wekwert, and sons Gary and Kevin Stoppa.
Vernon is survived by his wife of 61 years, Bette; his children, Delynn (Alan) Pittel, Eileen (Brian) Bee, Perry (Cindy) Stoppa, Ken (Zila) Stoppa and Mark Stoppa; brother Terry (Kay) Stoppa, grandchildren, Jennifer Pittel, Kevin Pittel, Michael Pittel, Kenny Casperson, Kevin (Breeanna) Perkins, Erin (Troy) Curet, Cindy and Abby Ventura, Ashley and Alison Rodriguez, and great-grandchildren, Marnie and Emilia Curet, and Brecken Perkins.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Thursday, August 6 at St. Joseph Catholic Church for the immediate family only, due to the COVID 19 pandemic. However; the service may be viewed live at https://www.stjosephtc.org/110. A memorial service for friends and extended family will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Joseph Church or the Father Fred Foundation at https://www.fatherfred.org/donate/.
The family is being cared for by Covell Funeral Homes.
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