Robert J. Poppe, 85, Spencerville, died at 3:25 a.m. Aug. 2, 2010, at his home following an apparent heart attack.

He was born June 16, 1925, in New Knoxville to Simpson and Ella Wierwille Poppe. On April 3, 1955, he married Norma Whetstone, who survives.

Also surviving are five children, David Poppe, Minster, Linda (Harry) Bienert, Spencerville, Ned Poppe, Spencerville, Dixie (Mike) Durkee, St. Marys, and Todd (Lori) Poppe, St. Marys; a sister, Dorothy Levine, Speedway, Ind., and four grandchildren.

Deceased are three brothers, Henry, Willis and Roland Poppe; and a granddaughter, Jaralyn Bienert.

He attended New Knoxville schools and was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during World War II in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre. He worked as a carpenter for the John Holtzapple Construction Company and was a farmer. He was a member of the American Legion Post 444 in New Knoxville. He also was a member of the Wayne Street United Methodist Church in St. Marys and attended Trinity United Methodist Church in Spencerville.

Funeral rites are 10:30 a.m. Friday at Miller-Long and Folk Funeral Home in St. Marys, the Rev. Jan Johnson officiating. Burial with military honors by the American Legion Post 444 is at Pilger Ruhe Cemetery in New Knoxville.

Calling is 4-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials can be made to Auglaize Industries.

Condolences can be left at Millerfuneralhomes.net.