Leonard Kropp

Leonard Benjamin Ben Kropp was born on May 7, 1913 in Vinita, Oklahoma, the son of Leonard C. and Allie(Dupree) Kropp. Ben grew up and attended school in Vinita and Tulsa, OK. He attended undergraduate school at Oklahoma AM College with a BS in Poultry Science. He received his masters degree at Kansas State University. Ben worked in the poultry industry 50 years in Illinois, Texas, Indiana and Wisconsin. In 1967, he became the general manager of Pietrus Foods in Sleepy Eye, MN until he retired in 1983. During this time he was very active at the local, national and international level of his professional organizations, serving as the President of the National and World Goose Council. He was also an active member of the Lions Club. He returned to Vinita for 12 years, enjoying retirement running a flea market and antiquing. He moved back to Sleepy Eye in 1995. Ben married Eva Mary Bohannon, on June 1, 1941 in Parsons, KS and celebrated 64 years of marriage. He was a devout Christian and very active in United Methodist Church teaching adult Sunday School and participating in numerous church activities where ever he lived. Ben was dedicated to his family, enjoying his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and remained close to his Oklahoma family throughout his life. Leonard Ben Kropp, 94, of Sleepy Eye, MN died on Saturday, September 8, 2007 at Divine Providence Community Home in Sleepy Eye, MN He is survived by his children their spouses Leonard C Kropp and wife Wanda of Georgetown, Texas; Susan Henry of Topeka, KS and Carol Kropp of Richfield, MN, 8 Grandchildren spouses, Christina Kropp, Barbara Richard Witkowski, Aaron Kropp, Dawn Tim Zinniel, Jennifer Wright, John Bridget Wright, Keith Nichole Henry and Lauren Henry. He is also survived by 6 great grandchildren and his sister, Rozella Garris of Siloam Springs, AR. Ben was proceeded in death by his parents; brother spouse, Robert Mary Kropp, brother-in-law, Carmen Garris, daughters, Elizabeth Wright of Sleepy Eye, Barbara Sue in infancy, son-in-law, Robert Henry.