Joseph "Joe" Ray Roop

Eben Junction

Joseph Ray Roop, age 61, of Eben, died unexpectedly at his home the result of a house fire on Saturday, July 14, 2018.  He was born in Topeka, Kansas on August 5, 1956 to the late Donald and Rosie Roop.  Joe’s family moved to Rumely in 1967 and he graduated from Eben High School in 1974.  He started working for Great Lakes Steel and then Empire Mine.  Joe entered into the United States Air Force and served as a Munitions Systems Specialist.  He married Vickie Salo and together they had their son Cory.  After his discharge from the Air Force, Joe returned to working at the mines.  He moved to Colorado Springs and worked as a lead maintenance engineer at the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind and then for the Holly Sugar Corporation.  While in Colorado, Joe attended Pikes Peak Community College.  In 1999, he retired and returned back to the U.P. where he was able to pursue his love of writing.  Joe loved to hunt and fish anything he could, canning the vegetables he grew in his garden, playing with his dog, and spending time with his family and friends.  He also enjoyed watching PBS and often would donate to support their great programs.

Joe is survived by his son – Cory Roop of Elkton, FL; siblings - Matthew Roop of Shelter Bay, MI, Dr. Marlene (Jim) Baumeister of Milton, FL, and Jeff Roop of Appleton, WI; several nieces and nephews; and close friends Ben and Lisa Madosh and their kids Dale and Alex.  Joe is also survived by his children from an ex-marriage; Kelly, Dominic, and Brenda Marteney whom he helped raise into fine people that he was proud of. He was preceded in death by his parents Don and Rosie.

Services will be held at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Saturday, August 25, 2018.  There will be visiting time with family and friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.  Joe's services will begin at 7:00 p.m. with military honors conducted by the American Legion and Vietnam Veteran Honor Guard.  Pastor Paul Kelto will conduct Joe's memorial service following the military honors.