Ronald Loel Tope, 77, of Mesa, AZ, went to his heavenly home on Saturday, October 30th, 2021 after a short illness.
Ron was born in 1944 to Harold and Lucille Tope in Hawkeye, IA. After graduation from North Fayette High School, he went on to study and wrestle at Wayne State University. That is where he met the love of his life, Jan. They married in 1966, going on to have two children, Chad and Carey. Ron was a force of nature. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world. He was unendingly proud of his children, Chad and Carey, and his grandchildren, Hannah, Kelsey, Jackson, Carter, Weston, and Brooklyn. Anyone who knew Ron, knew that he was the most loving father, grandfather, and husband anyone could want.
Ron was a lifelong teacher, coach, mentor, financial planner, and friend. He used the gifts God gave him to positively impact the lives of everyone around him. Ron had a huge heart for youth and loved the students he had the pleasure of teaching and coaching. He had a passion for lifting up and inspiring people to strive to become something they couldn’t see in themselves. Ron’s heart was made of gold; he was always putting others first and would be the last to take credit for anything. Ron could often be found singing, “Oh Lord, It’s Hard to Be Humble,” when he lived his life the exact opposite, which made it so ‘perfect.’ He never met a stranger or made an enemy; and he made new friends everywhere he went with a huge smile.
Ron loved the Lord, his family, the Iowa Hawkeyes, wrestling, and his favorite past time of fishing. He could always be found around the water with those he loved. Fishing, boating, or partaking in water sports (even slalom skiing on his 73rd birthday). Ron was also passionate about billiards, woodworking, and could often be found socializing at the dog park with Mickey.
Ron was preceded in death by his brother Roger, sister Barbara, and parents Harold and Lucille. He is survived by his loving wife Jan of 55 years, son (Chad & Shannon Tope), daughter (Carey & Brett Barber) grandchildren (Hannah & Ryan Schorg, Kelsey & Alec Nicolet, Jackson Harris, Carter Tope, Weston Barber, & Brooklyn Barber).
There will be a Celebration of Life service on Friday, December 10th at 11 AM at Lutheran Church of Hope. 925 Jordan Creek Pkwy West Des Moines, Iowa 50266
In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution may be made to Freedom for Youth Ministries, Des Moines, Iowa: https://freedomforyouth.org/donate
What a wonderful man. It sounds like he truly enjoyed life. I did not have the pleasure to meet Ron but I am friends with his daughter-in-law Shannon. We are praying for your family.
Chad and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Cindy and Lynn Karrick, and family🙏🙏
Sending my deepest condolences to the Tope family and praying for strength and comfort as you endure this difficult time.
My condolences to your family. Ron was a genuinely great guy and truly fun to work with and be around. Always positive and friendly!
Jan & Family,
So sorry for your loss. Like lost Huxley peps it is still the Tope house when I walk by. Our prayers of comfort for you all during this difficult time.
What a wonderful man. It sounds like he truly enjoyed life. I did not have the pleasure to meet Ron but I am friends with his daughter-in-law Shannon. We are praying for your family.
Chad and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Cindy and Lynn Karrick, and family🙏🙏
Sending my deepest condolences to the Tope family and praying for strength and comfort as you endure this difficult time.
My condolences to your family. Ron was a genuinely great guy and truly fun to work with and be around. Always positive and friendly!
Jan & Family,
So sorry for your loss. Like lost Huxley peps it is still the Tope house when I walk by. Our prayers of comfort for you all during this difficult time.