Milo Eugene Poppen Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Milo Eugene Poppen December 20, 1929 - June 11, 2020 With 90 years of endless wisdom, Milo Eugene Poppen, our wonderful father and grandfather and longtime resident of Oregon City passed away June 11, 2020. He stayed beyond our expectations to have one last taste of his beloved Oregon strawberries and summer watermelon before joining his wife LeAnn in heaven. Milo was born at home in Carthage, South Dakota on December 20, 1929. He was one of nine children born to George and Anna (Moe) Poppen. He was proud of his family's migration from Norway to the United States and kept detailed genealogy records for many years. After growing up on a farm he enlisted in the Navy right after high school graduation and was assigned to the submarine, USS Greenfish, stationed in Pearl Harbor. He was discharged in 1949 and when the Korean War broke out, he was recalled and assigned to the USS Yancey during which he made five trips from California to Sasebo, Japan. Milo married LeAnn Clausen of Madison, South Dakota in April 1956 and they spent their honeymoon traveling throughout the Southwest to eventually settle in Oregon City where three of his siblings had previously moved. They raised three daughters and shared 57 wonderful years together before LeAnn passed in October 2013. They were blessed and so proud of their five wonderful grandchildren and Milo was lucky enough to share his birthday with his only granddaughter. Initially a land appraiser for Clackamas County, Milo later retired in 1988 after 23 years as a real estate appraiser for 1st Interstate Bank (now Wells Fargo). He enjoyed many seasons of bowling leagues and golf and was especially proud of the Hole-in-One he scored at Ranch Hills in 1994. In retirement he enjoyed city farming and carefully tended to his corn crop. An active member of the Oregon City Elks for 62 years, he was honored to be named Elk of the Year in 1994-95. He spent hundreds of volunteer hours serving the community on behalf of the Elks and co-chaired their Holiday Basket program for many years. Milo and LeAnn worshipped, made lifelong friends, and volunteered for years at Zion Lutheran Church in Oregon City. After LeAnn passed, Milo treasured his Monday coffees at Zion, Sunday services and his weekly Elks meeting and Bingo nights to stay connected and share stories. Milo is survived by his children; Cyndy Poppen (Wes Schwahn), Patti Mertz (Joe) and Deborah George (Don) and grandchildren; Andrew Mertz (Megan), Kevin Mertz, Jeff George (Michelle), Mike George, and Ashley George. He also leaves behind one sibling, younger brother Gale Poppen (Carole), and many wonderful nieces and nephews. A good man, well read, and loyal friend who always put family first, Milo will be forever missed. Our hearts have been broken by the loss of our father, but we find comfort in our memories, laughter in our stories, and the belief that he is with our mom and his family in heaven. Due to the coronavirus, a family service will be held at Willamette National Cemetery with a Celebration of Life when permitted. His final resting place will be at Willamette National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be sent to: Zion Lutheran Church, 720 Jefferson Street, Oregon City, OR 97045. Please sign the online guest book and enjoy the following attached Life Tribute Video.