Gail Popp

On November 24, 2025 a life full of love and appreciation for her family and creator, Jehovah, came to a momentary stop for Gail Lucille Popp, 89, of Cornell.

Gail was born January 24, 1936, at St. Joseph's Hospital of Chippewa Falls to Harley Colbert and Verle McGillis of Cadott. She spent most of her childhood being raised by her grandparents Charlie and Zella McGillis. They took her to Arizona many winters where they even enrolled her in school as well as in Chippewa Falls. She spent her senior year living with her Mother and in 1954 she graduated from Cadott High School.

While attending high school she met and fell in love with Francis "Fran" Popp at a local dance hall. They were united in marriage on June 12, 1954. Fran enlisted in the army in 1955 and shortly after his orders took them to Kaiserslauter, Germany, where they had their first son, Gary. They returned in 1957 to the family dairy farm in rural Cornell and raised 4 more children, Steve, Tamie, Scott, and LeAnne.

In 1961 Fran and Gail devoted their lives to Jehovah in Rhinelander, WI. Together they spent their resources and energy volunteering to preach and teach God's word from the Bible. They traveled to conventions around the country with all their children.

They continued to dairy farm until 1975 when they sold the cows and some of their land. Gail helped Fran with bookkeeping and where needed until his passing. She then worked at Wissota Lakeside of Chippewa Falls as a receptionist and office assistant starting in 1987, retiring in 2001.

Gail had many talents and hobbies, particularly as a seamstress, making lots of clothes for her family. She also knitted many sweaters, scarves, mittens, and hats for her children, grandchildren, and others. Later in life she enjoyed crafting weekends to assemble her photo albums. An excellent cook and of course, as most grandmothers, was well known for her chocolate chip cookies and carrot cake, which have since been dutifully mastered by her great granddaughter Lily.

Gail was preceded in death by her husband, Fran, in 1985; her mother Verle 1964, father Harley 1990, Grandmother Zella 1968, and grandfather Charlie 1973.

She is survived by her children, Gary Popp of Sand Creek, Steve (Deanne) Popp of Sand Creek, Tamie Popp of Palm Coast, FL, Scott (Angie) Popp of Cornell, and LeAnne (Steve) January of Chippewa Falls; a half-brother, Tom Frank.

Along with 13 grandchildren: Quentin, Elesha (Travis), Tishara (Titus), Julanya (Bobbi), Tirzah (Andrew), Mekiah, Jordan (Michelle), Alec (Emilie), Ryan (Brynnleigh), Jared, Cheyanne (Brad), Wade (Samantha), and Cierra (Sam). Four step granddaughters; Kaye (Pat), Kim, Meghan (Lauden), and Samantha. And 13 great grandchildren: Lily & Liam Worsley, Teagan & Calla Richards, Bentley Schimmel, Emily & Oliver Popp, Kalliope, Evander, Fynnleigh, Kingston & Riggz Popp, and Greyson January.

The family would like to acknowledge their appreciation to Tricia for her assistance with Gail living in her home for as long as possible. As well as Kristi, Regine, and Kyra. A special thank you to Linda, Rachel, Katie, and Alma of Interim Hospice for their compassionate care, support, and guidance. We are also grateful to the caregivers and staff at Dove Healthcare of Bloomer.

A memorial service will be held at the New Auburn Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 20232 80th Street, Bloomer, WI, on Sunday, December 28th at 2:30.

The funeral service will be available for viewing on Zoom meeting ID: 865 719 4454 Passcode: 6071914.