John Ropp, Bay City. Our ‘Johnny' passed away suddenly on Friday May 6, 2011 at his residence, age 51. He was born June 6, 1959 in Midland. John graduated from Bay City Western High School in 1977 and attended the Ohio Institute of Technology and held many certificates in electronics. He was the former co-owner of Bannan's TV. John was a master in electronics and could fix and work on anything. He was known as a true Republican and loved to debate politics. John was always very active with his children and loved spending time with his grandchildren.

On May 24, 1980 John married his high school sweetheart, the former Karen Piechowiak, and she survives him along with their children, Chantel (Noah) Ferrio, Jason Ropp and Krystal Ropp; grandchildren, David and Abraham Ferrio; his father and step-mother, Lloyd & Cora Ropp; two brothers, Rick (Gail) Ropp and David Ropp & Pam Wiesnewski; and a step-sister, Roberta Mettert. John is also survived by Karen's supportive family, his father and mother-in-law, Robert & Nancy Piechowiak; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jeffrey (Linda) Piechowiak, Debora (Andrew) Burzynski, Jr., Susan (Chris) Szeszulski, Aaron Piechowiak & Tricia Rytlewski, Gregory (Kristine) Piechowiak and Nancy (Tommy) Knoerr; a special Goddaughter, Amanda Cooley; several nieces & nephews; and his special dog, Mr. Jiggers. John was preceded in death by his mother, Darlene (Kennedy) Secord; step-father, Ray Secord; a sister, Yvonne Ropp; two step-sisters, Pamela Pfund and Mickey Weaver; and a step-brother, Park Secord.

The funeral service will take place at 2:00pm on Thursday May 12, 2011 at the Gephart Funeral Home. Officiating will be Rev. Mark M. Schulz. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 7:00 to 9:00pm, Wednesday from 2:00 to 5:00 & 6:00 to 9:00pm, and on Thursday from 12:00pm until time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or to the wishes of the family. gephartfuneralhome.com

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