Jesse Eugene Ropp

Jesse Eugene Ropp
October 13, 1939 - November 27, 2022

Jesse Eugene Ropp, a resident of Albany, Oregon died on Sunday, at his home in Albany. He was born on October 13, 1939, in Lebanon, Oregon, the eldest son of Aaron M. Ropp and Verna Martha Kropf. He attended Grand Prairie School. After finishing his schooling, he worked with his father on the family farm learning welding, farming trades, and the building and manufacturing of squash harvesting equipment.

He was a successful farmer all his life, combining until he was 81 years old. He raised edible pumpkin seeds used for snack foods, a variety of grass seeds, garden seeds for Northrup and King Seed Company, and in recent years he helped develop part of the farm into a hazelnut orchard. He enjoyed taking care of the orchard’s weed control and pruning the suckers around the trees until he was 82. 

He was a devout member of Fairview Mennonite Church, serving in various capacities over the years, including teaching welding classes for Fairview Christian School.

Jesse had a lifelong love of aviation. In the beginning stages of becoming a pilot, he started working for Allen Propst, assisting him in his crop-dusting business. After his day of work on his own farm, Jesse would come home and often take his hat, toss it on the kitchen floor, signaling to Velma that he had “been up to something” prior to coming home for the day. Velma later found out that he was taking flying lessons from Allen. As he continued to work for Allen, they agreed upon a trade - Jesse would work for Allen and Allen would give him flying lessons. Jesse became an excellent pilot and enjoyed many hours in his twin Comanche. He received his private pilot license, land and sea license, multi engine, and helicopter license. His last flight was in his son Byron's 150 airplane. After landing he made the comment, “Just like riding a bicycle.” He instilled is love of flying in his two sons.

He is survived by his wife, Velma Ropp; son Byron and Debra Ropp; son Doug and Jane Ropp; daughter Anisa and Doug Troyer; sister Ruth Wisseman; brother Howard Ropp; sister Iris Stutzman; sister, Dorie Roth; sister Joyce Showalter; sister Julie Miller; sister Darlene Perrine; 14 grandchildren; and 25 great grandchildren.

In honor of Jesse’s love of aviation, in lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to the Missionary Aviation Repair Center. To learn more about this ministry, visit their website https://www.marcalaska.org/.   Please consider donating in Jesse’s memory.

The final approach, he landed safely.

AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling the arrangements (www.aasum-dufour.com).