Sophie D. Kropf

96, Appleton left this life on August 24, 2024, for her long yearned-for reunion with her beloved Rudy. Sophie was born in Hohnhorst, Germany on January 31, 1928, the youngest of three children. Hers was a close-knit family, and she adored her older siblings. Rural life was good in the small village, where everyone knew and looked out for one another, until World War II broke out. Times then got tough. Bombings, gunfire and invading soldiers became an everyday fact of life. The end of the war brought relief and a major bright spot – she met the love of her life, Rudy Kropf. They married on April 14, 1950, and spent the next 72 years together until Rudy's passing in 2022.

Sophie and Rudy, together with their young daughter, emigrated to the United States in 1957, where Rudy had accepted a job offer at Lohse Custom Tailors in Neenah. As Sophie settled into her new life, she took English classes and strove to help her daughter adjust to life in a new country. In a few years, Sophie and Rudy were blessed with the birth of their son, Michael, who completed their family.

In the late 1970's they built a home in Appleton, where they would remain until their final years. Sophie loved any kind of needle work: knitting, crocheting, embroidery, needle point and sewing. She also enjoyed reading and playing cards, especially Canasta and Spite & Malice. Most of all, she loved spending time in Door County with dear family friends.

Sophie was preceded in death by her husband Rudy, as well as her parents, brother, two nephews and a brother-in-law.

She is survived by her son, Michael; daughter, Sonja (Sunny); son-in-law Wesley; granddaughters: Kristina and Mary; step granddaughters: Elizabeth and Stephanie, along with their spouses; a sister, Elli; several nieces and nephews and bonus sons: Peter and Mark, along with their spouses.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Touchmark for the exceptional care given our dear mother, especially this past year.

A Memorial service for Sophie will be held in the chapel at Touchmark (2601 Touchmark Dr) in Appleton, on September 10, 2024, at 2:30 PM. Family will receive friends from 2 PM until the time of service.