Obituary of Merle Louis Dopp

Merle Louis Dopp was born June 6, 1923 to Claude and Elsie (Ihnen) Dopp in rural Harris, IA. He attended country schools and enjoyed playing baseball in his youth. Merle caught the flying bug in 1933 during his first airplane ride with mentor, Stanley Fuller of Milford, IA. This airplane ride was in a Lockheed Vega at Spirit Lake, IA. When aviation author, Ann Pellegrino, asked him how he became involved in aviation, Merle said, “On June 7, 1939, one day after my birthday, I had $4.00 in my pocket, and I bought one-half hour of dual in an Aeronca K. My flight instructor was Harvey Christiansen at Spencer, Iowa’s original municipal airport site.” Merle went on to serve his country with the U.S. Army at the Aberdeen, MD Proving Grounds in World War II, and also during the early part of the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1951. On December 29, 1954, Merle was united in marriage to Pauline “Paula” Vande Berg at Hull, IA. They enjoyed 59 years together. Three children were born to this union: Susan, John, and Mary. Merle's interest in aviation continued throughout his life. While he managed airports at Clarion, IA, Sibley, IA, and Worthington, MN, he also operated a private aviation business offering air ambulance, charter service, aerial spraying, and flight instruction. Merle launched many students who became commercial pilots and aviation mechanics and was a firm believer in “giving a kid a break” when charging for dual and ground school. For families in need during a loved one’s medical emergency, Merle would often only bill them the fuel costs for air ambulance trips to Iowa City and Rochester. He logged over 24,000 hours throughout his career. Merle passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 26, 2017 at Hawkeye Care Center in Spirit Lake, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents Claude and Elsie Dopp; brother Marvin Dopp; his wife Paula Dopp; and son John Dopp; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He leaves behind a host of friends and family, including daughters: Susan Dopp (Michael Martin) of Enderlin, ND, and Mary Mack (Merle Mack) of Okoboji, IA and granddaughter Elyse of New York, NY. His family and close friends express appreciation to those who provided caring services for Merle’s final years. These include area home health, hospital, care center, and hospice as well as Rides, and his favorite lakes region breakfast spots. Memorials may be directed as the donor chooses. Celebration of Life Merle L. Dopp Born ~ June 6, 1923 Died ~ March 26, 2017 Age ~ 93 years 9 months 20 days Funeral Service Friday, March 31, 2017 ~ 2:00 p.m. Calvary United Methodist Church Arnolds Park, Iowa Officiating ~ Pastor Sarah Rohret Organist ~ Susan Dopp Pianist ~ Cheryl Harms Musical Tribute Nile Harris “Amazing Grace” Congregational Singing “Be Still My Soul” #451 “This Is My Father’s World” #144 Pallbearers Jim Verdoorn David Bockman Dan Bockman Harold Krueger Wes Dopp Rick Dopp Kevin Dopp Jon David Koerselman Military Honors Milford American Legion Post #384 Milford, Iowa Burial Union Cemetery Harris, Iowa