Lyle A. Schopp, 85, Heyworth, passed away at 7:30 a.m. Monday (Feb. 4, 2013) at his residence in Heyworth.
A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Epiphany Catholic Church, Normal, with Monsignor Eric Powell officiating. Interment will be at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Normal. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Thursday at the church.
Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home, Bloomington, has been entrusted with handling arrangements for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Lyle’s name may be made to Epiphany Catholic Church Building Fund or American Heart Association.
Lyle was born Oct. 4, 1927, in Chenoa, a son of Allen and Opal Kimble Schopp. He graduated from Normal Community High School in 1945. Lyle married Dorothy Fackler on Oct. 1, 1955, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Colfax. She survives.
In addition to his wife, Dorothy, Lyle is survived by his children, Cathy (Gregg) Winters, Steven (Pam) Schopp and Michael (Melinda) Schopp; six grandchildren, Kyle (fiancee Megan Horath) Winters, Kelsey (fiance Justin Tuttle) Winters, Bryan Schopp, Christina (fiance Timothy Margherio) Schopp, Dustin Schopp and Corey Schopp; three great-grandchildren, Kaylin Winters, Jace Winters and Landen Schopp; his stepmother-in-law, Ivy Fackler; and special friends, Bill and Doris Wherry and Richard and Liz McGuire.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a twin sister, Leah Melton; and sisters, Marcella Booziotes and Dorothy Mae Schopp.
Lyle was a member of Epiphany Catholic Church, Heyworth American Legion Post 624, Knights of Columbus Father John D. Ring Council 574 and the McLean County Farm Bureau.
He was a farmer for 60 years and also served with the McLean County Sheriff’s Department for seven years as a sergeant. He was awarded Policeman of the Year in 1972-1973 from the department. In 1979, Lyle was awarded the Golden Harvest Dry Land Award for the highest yield in the nation, earning them a trip to Hawaii.
Lyle and Dorothy enjoyed traveling, having been to Europe three times and on six cruises. They also went to Las Vegas twice a year but their favorite enjoyment was spending time with their family and driving around the countryside watching the crops grow.
He was proud to be a lifelong farmer and also enjoyed fishing with his wife, Dorothy, and their six friends. Lyle also enjoyed spending time at the Wapella Auction House and other farm sales around the area.
Lyle proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
He never met a stranger and could always talk to anyone, anywhere. Lyle will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
