Pope, Claude “Tuffy” (1935 – 2013)

POPE, KAY, HANSEN, PIITTMANN, FISH, SCHUNING, SHUEMAN, MADDEN

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 7/24/2013 at 14:04:12

Claude Newton "Tuffy" Pope was born on November 28, 1934 in Avoca, Iowa to Merle and Mae (Fish) Pope. He was one of seven children in the family. He attended Walnut, Shelby, and Avoca schools until he joined the United States Navy on June 11, 1952. He served his country during the Korean Conflict until his honorable discharge on November 18, 1955.

Tuffy met Karen Schuning and the couple was married on March 27, 1959 at First Lutheran Church in Avoca, Iowa. Two children were born to this union: David and Brenda. The family made their home in Avoca and Tuffy worked at Mid American Energy. He started out working on the gas crew and then drove truck, and after 30 years of service, he retired from Mid American Energy on November 26, 1996 at which time he was currently working as a control room operator.

Tuffy was a family man who enjoyed taking his children and grandchildren out for their birthdays. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s school activities, especially softball and baseball games. He loved family outings and being surrounded by his family and friends. He took great pride in his wood working projects and he would make several items, for example toy boxes and lamps, that he would share with his family. He enjoyed traveling to Navy reunions with Karen, slow dancing, and cheering for the Greenbay Packers and Iowa Hawkeyes.

He was a member of the Fred Funston American Legion Post No. 227, VFW, 40-8 Club, and Trinity Lutheran Church. He served on the Fair Board and as a City Counsel man.

Tuffy died at his home, surrounded by family, on Friday, May 3, 2013 having attained the age of 78 years, 5 months, and 5 days. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his six siblings: Edward, Bill "Lumpy", Alice Shueman, Amasa "Hammer", Clarence "Punk", and Shirley Madden. He is survived by his wife of over 54 years, Karen Pope of Avoca, Iowa; son, David Pope and his wife Kris of Harlan, Iowa; daughter, Brenda and her husband Roger Kay of Minden, Iowa; four granddaughters: Ana Pope, Katlyn Kay, Betsy Pope, and Marissa Kay; other relatives and friends.

Pastor Eric Meissner officiated the 10:30 am funeral service at Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca, Iowa on Monday, May 6, 2013. Shirley Pattee was the organist. Military rites were conducted by the Fred Funston American Legion Post No. 227 in Graceland Cemetery in Avoca. Honorary casket bearers were Tuffy’s coffee buddies. Active casket bearers were: Bill Murphy, Dale Thompson, Marvin Piittmann, as well as American Legion members Bernie Mann, Joe Burns, and Robert Jorgensen.

Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca was in charge of arrangements.

Source: pauleyjones.com
Posted by permission