Adrian Popelka

Dr. Adrian "Ade" Popelka, 92, passed away peacefully in Sun City West, AZ, on May 2, 2018, following a protracted battle with cancer. He was born on March 16, 1926 on the family farm in Mountain, WI, the 13th of 15 children of the late Anton and Mary (Kugel) Popelka. In 1943 after his 17th birthday he enlisted in the Marine Corps to join 5 other siblings in the war effort, and served with the First Marine Division in the Battle of Peleliu. Upon return from the South Pacific he attended St. Norbert College for one year on the G.I. bill when he passed the entrance exam for Marquette Dental School. While in Milwaukee he worked his way through school at a couple of the famous Milwaukee Breweries, graduating in 1953. On May 21, 1955 he married Margaret K. "Marge" Wilde at St. Michael's Church in Suring, WI. In 1958 they moved his dental practice from Brillion, WI to Appleton, WI, where they were founding members of St. Pius X Church.He is well remembered for his volunteer work there, including the popular fish boil at the annual parish picnic. Ade and Marge hosted many dinner parties and enjoyed cooking for family and friends.He was succeeded in his dental practice by his son, Paul, and retired after 43 years of practice. Retirement in Sun City West, AZ was spent entertaining, playing golf, as well as regular trips to Appleton, Chicago and Spain to spend time with family.Adrian was preceded in death by Margo after 57 years of marriage in 2012. His complete dedication to her in the three years she battled cancer and was unfailing to the end and an inspiration to all.Adrian was a lifelong Green Bay Packer fan who's season tickets date back to City Stadium, surviving the 1967 Ice Bowl with Marge, and attending his last game at the age of 90.Adrian is survived by his five children: Glenn (Linda), Elmhurst, IL; Mark, Sun City West, AZ, who dedicated the last three years of his life exclusively to caring for his father; Paul (Joanne), Appleton, WI; John (Lori), Naperville, IL; Ann (Antonio), Madrid, Spain; 10 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; a brother, Alvin, Elkhart Lake, WI; and a sister, Dorothy, North Fond du Lac, WI.He is remembered for his quick wit and ability to find the humor in every situation, right up to his last days.A memorial service is set for June 30, 2018 at St. Joe's Church in Appleton, WI attended by family friend Father Malloy.