Obituary of Robert William Kopp

Robert William Kopp, LTCOL-Ret. died unexpectedly on November 29, 2021, at Oshner LSU Health in Shreveport, LA. He was born November 4, 1945, the son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Geiermann) Kopp in Bismarck, N.D. He graduated from Mandan H.S., Class of 1963. He then attended the University of North Dakota receiving his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1968. He served his country in the USAF for 23 years, including tours in Viet Nam where he piloted the de-Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou aircraft, a specialized cargo aircraft designed for short takeoff and landing capability. The rest of his career he flew B-52s except for a four year assignment at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. He was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and other numerous recognition for his loyal service to his country. His military career was followed as a commercial pilot with Spirit Airlines from which he retired in 2007. He was an active member of the Order of Daedalians, the Caribou Association and a proud member of the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Posse. He was predeceased by his parents and brother David Kopp. He is survived by brothers Bill (Nancy) Kopp, Dick (Brenda) Kopp, Sister-in-law Deidre Kopp, nephew Jared Kopp and nieces Lindsay and Whitney Kopp, his loving wife of 37 years, Gail (Evans) Kopp, five children and stepchildren, Saralee (Jim) Boitz, William Kopp, Christopher (Christine) Stocks, Steve Stocks and Nicole (Eric) Buehl, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Willis Knighton Bossier City and Oshner LSU Health and friends and family far and wide for their loving care and support through this sad time. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to St Jude Children’s Hospital and Nina’s Road to Rescue. His ashes will be buried July 8, 2022 at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Mandan, North Dakota.