SCHOPEN, Dennis Charles

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Posted: Sunday, July 6, 2014 - Dennis Charles Schopen, 62, died June 23, 2014 as the result of a devastating stroke. He was surrounded by loved ones. Dennis was born Aug. 6, 1951 in Oconomowoc, Wis. to Jerome and Elizabeth Schopen. He graduated from St. Jerome’s Catholic grade school, then Oconomowoc Senior High School. After school, Dennis moved to the Southwest where he remained. For the last 15 years Lake Havasu City, has been his home. He worked as a leather artisan, desert landscaper and entered the construction trades where he excelled in drywall and steel framework. Dennis was smart, funny, loyal, hard working and generous to a fault. He loved to tell stories about his past bow hunting, fishing and many close call accidents which were usually amusing and always somewhat exaggerated. He had many good friends who nicknamed him “Buff” for his trademark long hair and chops. His family and childhood friends called him “Bird” after his hobby of raising fantail pigeons for show. Throughout his adult life (because his dad wouldn’t sign for it when he was a teen) Dennis enjoyed riding, and of course, repairing his many Harleys long before they were in the mainstream. And he had the tats to prove it. In his last four years, Dennis dedicated much time to his beloved grandson Adam (his current “Schwartz”) who called him “Poppa.” Dennis will be missed by many. He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth; sons, Brian and Jake; grandsons, Riley, Skyler, Adam; granddaughter, Alex; mother, Betty; siblings, Mary, Judy, Jim, Jane, Paul and Ned. He was preceded in death by his father Jerry and sister Christine. A service will take place in Wisconsin. Dennis, you were often a challenge, but we love and miss you. Ride on.