Roland “Bird” Jay Kopp, also known as “Rollie”, 62, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 30, 2025.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel in Clear Lake, Iowa, followed by a Celebration of Life at 4:00 PM with Mark Doebel officiating.
Roland was born September 25, 1962, in Mankato, MN, the son of Roland and Jeanne (Barnes) Kopp. He grew up in Waseca, Minnesota but eventually the family moved near Bismarck, North Dakota, where he graduated from Century High School in 1981. After graduation, he worked alongside his family at Dakota Lay’d Eggs for more than ten years before making his home in Iowa. There he became a true “jack of all trades,” lending his skills to a variety of companies and projects. Most recently, he found great pride and enjoyment in his work as a supervisor at Curries Manufacturing.
Roland was known for his easygoing nature and quick wit. He never shied away from a good joke and could light up a room with his humor, while maintaining his laid-back charm. Roland had a pure heart of gold and was willing to do anything for anyone in need of a helping hand. A devoted Vikings fan, he rarely missed cheering on his team. Roland also had a lifelong love for animals, and it seemed they loved him just as much, often following him home. Affectionately nicknamed “Papa Bear” or simply “Bear,” he enjoyed collecting bear figures, a nod to the nickname that suited him so well.
Above all, Roland will be remembered for his kindness, his laughter, and the joy he brought to those fortunate enough to know him.
Those left to cherish memories of Roland are his wife, Barbara Kopp and fur-baby, Kooper Kopp; his children, Paige (Tyler) Bartels, Chelsey Kopp and Addison (Michael) Waller, Christopher (Sami) LaFreniere and Ashley (Ryan) Weinlader ; mother and stepfather, Jeanne and Arnie Voigt; grandchildren, Kenli, Nova, Corbin, Matthew, Rebecca, Caleb, Kyle, Brooklyn, and Kenneth; stepchildren, Jolinda Badger, Tyler Jurgensen, Amber Jurgensen; siblings, Kathy (Craig) Miller, Deb Kopp-Lappe, and Monica Kopp-Dokken, Jeff (Lisa) Voigt, Patricia Voigt, and Kelley Voigt-Ganzan; brother-in-law, Bruce (Dixie) Dagget sister-in-laws, Candy Wolfe and Debbie Ocker; special niece, Cora; numerous other extended family members and friends.
Roland is preceded in death by his father, Roland George Kopp; brothers, Michael Kopp and Timothy Voigt; brother-in-law, Loren Lappe; maternal grandparents, Clarence and Helen Barnes; paternal grandparents, Ambrose and Lavina Kopp; canine companion, Koozie; as well as many aunts and uncles.
colonialchapels.com