C. Gary Kopp

Cleo Gary Kopp (C. Gary) passed away unexpectedly at his home in Turtle Lake, North Dakota, on Friday, January 23, 2026. A visitation and gathering of family and friends will be held at the Bismarck Funeral Home on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 1:00-3:00 PM with a Prayer Service beginning at 2:00 PM. Burial will be held in spring at Northland Cemetery, Kathryn, ND.

Cleo was born on October 12, 1942, in Kathryn, North Dakota, to Carl and Mildred (Kulsrud) Kopp. He attended and graduated from Lisbon High School in 1960. Post high school he attended The State Teachers’ College in Ellendale, North Dakota, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education. After receiving his degree, he joined the teaching staff of Ashley North Dakota Public School. Later he continued his studies at the University of Minnesota in hospital administration.

Gary went on to hold positions with Head Start in Crookston, MN, and with the University of North Dakota’s Housing Division in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Gary ultimately found his true calling as the Administrator of the Community Hospital in Nelson County (Nelson County Health System) in McVille, North Dakota. He spent 25 years there promoting rural health care. He was instrumental in the completion of the hospital building project. Gary established a Rural Health Clinic designation (McVille) and the CHINC Foundation. He opened doors for extended Swing Bed services. He was honored to serve terms on the North Dakota Hospital Association Board of Directors in the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s. He rounded out his health care management career at the Wishek Community Hospital and Clinics, Wishek, North Dakota, and later at the Northland Community Health Center in Turtle Lake, North Dakota.

Gary always enjoyed going to his childhood home in Lisbon, gathering with his family and friends, spending time at Kamp Kopp at Devil’s Lake relaxing (working), attending grandchildren’s events, and going on walks with his furry best friend, Lefte. He preserved and took pride in his ‘63 Impala and his ‘58 Edsel Ranger. He was a lifelong coin and toy collector and spent many hours in his Kopp Shop on woodworking projects and restoring pedal cars and bicycles.

Gary is survived by his wife of 47 years, Maureen (Schindele) Kopp, and daughters, Karla (Gregory) Messner and Abby Johnson. He is survived by his grandsons: Brock Messner, Brent (Jenni) Messner, Bryce (Taylor) Messner, Cody (Brittany) Johnson as well as great grandchildren: Vivian, Adalai, Norah, Macklan, and Noah Messner and Bronson Johnson. He is survived by sisters-in-law Alma Kopp and Delores Kopp and several nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Allie Johnson, son-in-law, Steve Johnson, great grandson, Walker Messner and siblings: Mazie Kopp, Ferrel Kopp, Darlene (Milton Johnson; Lenny) Zimprich, Gerald Kopp, Geraldine (Don) Martin, June Myhre, and Larry Kopp.

Gary was known for his quick wit and one liners and will be missed by many.