KROPF: Karl Frank Kropf was born September 14, 1938 in Wilkie, SK. He passed away suddenly July 6, 2012 in Unity, SK at the age of 73 years. Karl is survived by his loving children: Barbara Fabris (Denis) of Chante Lake, SK, Beverly (Brendan) O'Driscoll of Cando, SK, Ken Kropf of Unity, SK, Kevin Kropf (Lauralee) of Wilkie, SK; grandchildren, Vincent Fabris, Karla (Kendal) Koroscil, Stephanie (Chris) Garland, Shawna O'Driscoll (Teo), Aaron O'Driscoll, Alorah and Camille Kropf, Daynin and Kelby Cooper, Amanda Blanchard (Scott), Dustin Blanchard (Lauren); greatgrandchildren, Cohen Koroscil, Paisley and Easton Garland; sisters and brothers, Angie Dodds, Erna (John) Skillen, Fred (Linda) Kropf, Gus Kropf, Hilda (Gary) Gedak, Bill (Angie) Kropf, Bob (Diane) Kropf; brother-in-law, Orval Wright (Elaine); cousins, nieces and nephews and his little buddy, Pixie. He was predeceased by his wife, Fay; mother, Josefa; father, August; mother-in-law, Dorothy Clark; step-father-in-law, Willis Clark; sister-in-law, Margaret Wright; and nephew, Ricki Kropf. SHARED MEMORIES By Shawna O'Driscoll (Granddaughter) Grandpa Karl was born to Josefa and August Kropf on September 14, 1938 in Wilkie. He was the second child of eight. He had 3 sisters and 4 brothers. The first part of the family lived a few years at Reford then eventually moved to the farm just north of Wilkie. They would have to work hard on the farm but there was also time for fun as well. The kids travelled to school by horse and buggy which Grandpa was usually the trusted driver. The family enjoyed many ball games and the neighbours would come over and skate on the big slough. Grandpa had some mishaps while working on the farm; one involved run away horses, another one was a tractor rolling on top of him. Luckily for family or a neighbour he usually came out with a few bumps and bruises. Grandpa met the new hairdresser in town - Fay. They were married April 3, 1961 and moved to a farm in the Starview area 13 miles north of Wilkie. They were blessed with four children; Barb, Bev, Ken & Kevin. During those years there was many times spent with neighbours for ball games at Fairyland, wiener roasts, cards, community dances, ski-doing and Sunday drives. Grandpa and his family moved to the family farm in 1972. Grandpa mixed farm for many years and was always a very hard worker. He especially loved his horses and the kids had there own horses as well. In Grandpa's younger years he was involved with the Wilkie Outlaws Executive, he loved duck hunting, deer hunting, he played broom ball and mixed curling with Grandma. He was also very active in minor sports. In 1999 Grandpa retired from farming but had to keep himself busy so he went to work for neighbours. Good workers are hard to find so he was in demand. This kept him close to home so he could help Grandma. He had become her rock. Grandpa learned to be a good cook and house keeper. Even the granddaughters were phoning Grandpa for recipes. 8 years ago Grandpa was offered a part-time position as grounds keeper at the Wilkie Golf Course. They must of figured with his farming back ground that he would be able to tinker around and fix things. This lead to a full-time position. He took great pride in maintaining the equipment and carts but most of all the fairway and greens, and made sure every tool was in place!! Grandpa cut the roughs so short even the most inexperienced golfers could find their balls. Grandpa was a very family oriented man, to him family always came first. When Grandma was going through her illness he never left her side and after her passing 5 years ago he became our rock. Grandpa continued on with family traditions and spent many times with each of his children and their families. He was there to help with whatever or just go for a drive and visit. He loved to tease and play with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for anyone of us. He use to like to take his visiting Grandchildren to coffee row with him. Some of Grandpa's favourite pastimes were: Auction Sales - Going to sales to visit and to look for antique tools - cheap! Two Ball Night - Always trying to come in 10 under but never having the right partner. Chuck Wagon's - You better have a pocket full of quarters if you were going to sit beside him. 4 O'clock Beers - He said he didn't go for the beer but for the enjoyment of the company. The beer was just the bonus. Loved to read westerns - Trailsmen was his favourite. He had his name on a list at the bookstore so he could get the newest issue or the one he may have missed. Cards - Grandpa loved to play cards, whether it was crib, kaiser or solitaire. It wasn't very often that he got skunked. Curling - He loved to curl and had curled for many years. He even joined the seniors league in North Battleford this past winter and curled in Unity on occasion. He even went to Manitoba to curl in a bonspiel and enjoyed it immensley. He had just recently became an Elk member. His shop - Grandpa took great pride in his antique tool shop and showing them off to whoever drove into the yard. Grandpa was a very loving, caring, generous, great man who would do anything for anyone. He could cross over generations with ease. He will be remembered for his smile, goofy grin, loud chuckle, smart remarks, his jokes, hugs, and up beat personality. Today the community of Wilkie has lost a great friend. We have lost a Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Brother, Uncle. But it gives us great comfort to know that Grandpa and Grandma are TOGETHER FOREVER!! Card of Thanks The family of Karl Kropf would like to thank their family, friends, and Community for the support they have received during this difficult time. Thank you for all of your prayers, masses, donations, cards, visits, food, flowers, and phone calls. Your kindness and generosity has been overwhelming. Thank you to the Wilkie Golf Course for providing a nice breakfast for the family on the morning of the funeral. Words cannot express how much everyone's gestures mean to us. A special thank you to all who participated in the Prayer Vigil Service and Mass of Christian Burial. We appreciate everything that you have done for us. Thank you to Grondin Funeral Services Ltd. who were entrusted with arrangements for Karl's burial. Thank you to Bob and Allen for supporting and carrying out special requests that were made by the family. Love Barb, Bev, Ken, Kevin & Families ____________________________________________________
