Dale W. Lopus

Dale Wendell Lopus, age 83, a resident of Romeo/Bruce Township since 1969 and Elk Rapids since 1990, passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2020 at the Munson Hospice House in Traverse City, Michigan. Dale was born March 24, 1937 in Detroit, the son of Joseph and Sonia (Heisko) Lopus. Dale graduated from Dearborn High, received his undergraduate degree at Michigan State University majoring in Education, and earned his master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University majoring in History. He taught 2 years in the Lake Orion School District, then taught for 32 years in the Utica School District until his retirement in 1994. While teaching in Utica, he also taught American and European History at Macomb County Community College. Married to the ‘Love of My Life,’ Dale and Judith Ann Gass wed at the First Congregational Church in Romeo on August 5, 1961.Dale was a huge Michigan State fan and cherished attending their sporting events, often bringing his children and later his grandchildren “GO GREEN!” He also loved the Detroit Tigers, but had a true passion for his softball team that he coached and managed for almost 30 years, The Over the Hill Bunch..."GO GET EM BUNCH.” He also enjoyed coaching Romeo girls’ summer softball, including their all-star team for several years. He was fond of old western movies, especially anything about The Lone Ranger. Dale loved history and traveled with Judy and his kids during the summer visiting national parks, historical landmarks, amusement parks, and other interesting sites; eventually visiting all 50 states. He and his family were long time members of the First Congregational Church in Romeo, and he and Judy have attended the Presbyterian Church in Elk Rapids for the past 30 years. Dale was an avid collector of political memorabilia. He always held President Jimmy Carter in high esteem, often traveling to Plaines, GA to listen to him speak as a member of the Carter Club. Dale and Judy met and spoke with the Carters on many occasions. He found it amusing to tell various presidential jokes to his grandchildren... or anyone else. Dale is survived by his wife of 59 years, Judy; Children: Greg Lopus, Geof (Kate) Lopus & Laura (Greg) Gourlay; Grandchildren: Harrison "Buck"& Gabrielle "Lil Sis" Gourlay and Logan & William Lopus. Dale is also survived by his younger brother, Lyle (Jane) Lopus of Berkeley, California.     Visitation will take place Wednesday, October 14 from 4-8pm, Thursday, October 15 from 2-8pm at the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home in Romeo, Michigan. Funeral services will take place on Friday, October 16 at 1pm at the Funeral Home. A memorial gathering will also take place on Sunday, October 25, 2020 at the First Presbyterian Church in Elk Rapids at 12:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Samaritan House in Romeo-Washington or the First Congregational Church in Romeo would be greatly appreciated.