Thomas Vernon Poppe, 67, passed away Saturday, October 7, 2017 at the University of Kansas Hospital after a short illness. Tom was born in Herington, KS and was the eldest child of Vernon and Ruth Poppe. He graduated top of his class from Centre High School in 1968. He was awarded a Summerfield Scholarship to the University of Kansas where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BS in Accounting. He spent his entire career in Kansas City working in the tax accounting field. Tom had a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh. He would never hesitate to lend a helping hand. Tom loved traveling and was a very loving and supportive son, brother, father, and grandfather.
Tom married Carol Lynn Engel of Leawood, KS in 1982. He is survived by his wife and children, Kevin Thomas Poppe (Jen), David Lee Poppe (Sarah), their children, Abigail and Owen Poppe, and Katherine Ruth Tarr (Will). He was preceded in death by his father, Vernon William Poppe, and father-in-law, Dale Lee Engel. He is additionally survived by his mother Ruth Velzke Poppe of Clay Center, KS, brother Wayne Arthur Poppe (Connie) of Oklahoma City, OK their children Andrea, Matthew, and Nathan, his sisters, Marsha Jean Koster (Ron) of Clay Center, KS, their children, Jamie, Brett and Megan, and Janelle Margaret Poppe, of Olathe, KS.
The funeral service will be Thursday, October 12, 2017 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 220 W 6th Street Lincolnville, KS, at 11:00 AM, with burial immediately following at the Lincolnville Cemetery. Additionally, there will be a Celebration of Life Friday, October 13, 2017 at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 9100 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS, beginning with a short prayer service at 5 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations supporting the KU School of Business, made out to KU Endowment, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044 or online at www.kuendowment.org/givenow or Wayside Waifs, 3901 Martha Truman Rd, Kansas City, MO 64137 or online at www.waysidewaifs.org. Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC.
I’m so very sorry Carol. My thoughts are with you and your family. Jandy.Wills
Carol,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Lynda Priest Huelsman
Marsha, Nelle, Mrs. Poppe, Wayne, Tom’s family and all your family, I’m so sorry to learn of Tom’s death. You are remembered in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Carol,
I am so sorry….I am numb. My deepest sympathy for you and the family.
I am so sorry to hear about Tom
Mom and I send all our love and prayers to you all
Almeda and Donna