Ronald Patrick Bopp

Ronald Patrick “Ron” Bopp, 61, passed away on August 31, 2026, peacefully in his sleep.

Ron was born in Twin Falls, Idaho, to Bobby and Esther Bopp. He attended Immanuel Lutheran School in Twin Falls and later Concordia University in Portland, where he was elected student body president, ironically winning the election against a classmate named Anne Lehmann. (Urban legend speculates that if the election had gone the other way, there might not have been a later marriage of 39 years!) Ron and Anne married at the end of college and started their family in Pocatello, Idaho, building a life centered on faith, family, education, service, and love.

Ron’s lifelong interest in science continued to grow during and after his years at Concordia. His career began in the sciences, with research on Idaho potatoes, and eventually led him into nuclear science, where he developed expertise in nuclear safety, risk analysis, and operational compliance.

Throughout his career, Ron contributed his knowledge and dedication at several distinguished institutions, including Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Westinghouse, Argonne East, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), and Spectratech. He took great pride in his work and in the opportunity to apply his scientific knowledge to serve the nuclear industry.

But, Ron’s greatest accomplishment and deepest source of pride was his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Anne, and an incredibly proud father. He treasured the gifts, accomplishments, and individual journeys of his children, Sam (Andrew), Ben (Leigh Anna), and Ryan. All three followed their parents’ example in their own ways—carrying forward their father’s love of science and their mother’s gift for teaching—as they each pursued careers as medical professionals. Ron could not have been prouder of them.

Ron was also a loving brother to Robert and sister-in-law Julie and uncle to John (Sebas) and Katie (Kyle, Ellie, Maddie). Family was at the heart of who he was, and he was grateful for the extended family who shared his life on the Lehmann side, Carol, William (Jean and Will); Liesa (Jim); Ruthie (Art and Lizzy); Amy (Art); Gretchen (Damian and Beatrix); and Margaret (Dora) and countless Bopp/Kinsfather relations. Their love, friendship, and presence were gifts Ron treasured.

Ron was especially delighted by the next generation. Looking through his photo library, it is easy to see that his greatest joy was found in his “little ones,” his grandchildren, Olivia (“Liv”) and Maggie. They brought him immeasurable happiness and filled his life with cherished memories.

And then there were Scout and Boomer, arguably, his favorite children—the puppy dogs whose antics and photographs Ron so happily shared with family and friends. Rain, sleet, or shine– Ron was out on the local Pocatello trails, frequenting “Ed Fitch”, Kirkham Trail, and many others. Their place in his heart was unmistakable, and the delight they brought him was second only to the joy he found in his family.

Ron faithfully supported Anne throughout her more than 35 years as an educator and principal at Grace Lutheran. He was a steadfast partner in her ministry and a faithful member of Grace Lutheran Church. He was deeply thankful for the greater family he found there—the congregation, friends, and families who became an important part of his life and who have shown an outpouring of support to his family during this time. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Grace Lutheran School Scholarship fund.

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