Clarence A. Popp

Clarence A. Popp died peacefully at home on October 14, 2023 in Sun City, AZ at the age of 94. Clarence is survived by his; wife, Patricia Popp (Kalchik); children, Michael (Cornelia), Theresa (Steven) Dunn, David (Shelley), Timothy (Elizabeth) and Steven; siblings, Geraldine (Gerald) Miller, John (Diane), Dorothy (David, deceased) Lamb, James (Francis, deceased), Christine (Robert) Wagley. He is preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Loretta (Reicha), his brother Raymond (Diana) and his sister Mary Lou (John) Bumgardner.

Clarence was born on May 30, 1929 in Northport, MI. He completed an eighth-grade education before apprenticing as a carpenter, the trade he practiced for the rest of his life. He married Patricia, a teacher, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Gills Pier, MI, in 1957. After moving to Traverse City, MI, Clarence continued working for Comstock Construction as a superintendent. Over 65 years, the couple welcomed their five children, six grandchildren (Claren, Haley, Sara, Dustin, Logan and Lena) and five great grandchildren (Chloe, Tyler, Caylum, Lincoln and Natalie) into their life. As a father, grandfather and great grandfather, Clarence is remembered as always having a baby on his arm and a grin on his face.

Clarence, an accomplished builder, was a self-made man remembered for his ever-ready smile, wisdom, advice and guidance. In his 46 years with Comstock Construction, he shaped the face of northern lower Michigan with the building of numerous homes, hotels, churches and businesses. Having grown up on a farm he always enjoyed gardening and self-sufficiency. He was an active and dedicated member of St. Francis and St. Patrick’s Catholic churches of Traverse City, MI and even supervised their construction.

A gathering is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Monday, Oct. 23, at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Sun City, AZ, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Clarence’s life. Flowers may be sent to Menke Funeral Home, Sun City, AZ or donations to Infinity Hospice Care of Scottsdale, AZ. Condolences can be sent to www.menkefuneralhome.com. The family would like to thank Infinity Hospice Care for their supportive care of Clarence during this past year and would especially like to acknowledge Erin, Colleen and Carmina for their extraordinary concern and compassion.